Everton: Jean-Luc Vasseur wants to turn Everton Women into a Champions League side

Jean-Luc Vasseur has outlined his desire to turn Everton Women into a Champions League outfit and ‘winning machine’ but insisted his ambitious project needs time and patience.

The Toffees appointed the former Lyon boss on a two-and-a-half-year deal after sacking Willie Kirk last month following a disappointing start to the season.

Vasseur won the Champions League and French title during his time at Lyon and was named UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year in 2020.

Everton have made no secret of their desire to break into the top three of the Women’s Super League and when asked what attracted him to Merseyside, Vasseur said: ‘The project because it is very ambitious.

‘The club desire to grow the team and to qualify for the European competition in the future so it’s very interesting. It’s not the same in Lyon because [at Everton] there is a team to grow and make progress.

‘I know the high level so I know the way for Everton to progress and maybe to succeed and join the high level place. It’s very, very hard, you need patience, it’s very important.

‘My main goal is to build the team, be better, to progress and win more. When I come with my team, it’s always to win. I need to be patient to build a winning machine.’

Everton made a number of high-profile signings in the summer and paid a club record fee for Sweden international Hanna Bennison. But Vasseur hinted he will look to strengthen his side further in January and may use his connections in France to attract players.

‘Is it possible? Yes, to use this window of recruitment in winter to improve but if it’s necessary to take a player for the team [to] become better, become stronger,’ he added.

‘It depends on the opportunity of the recruitment but yes when there is an opportunity for us to recruit, to improve, I use it.’

The new Toffees boss also revealed he has been able to speak with Rafa Benitez since making the move to Goodison Park.

‘I spoke with Rafa, [it was a] very interesting discussion and [he is] a very nice person, he welcomed me very well.’

This is Vasseur’s first job since he was sacked by Lyon in April. The Frenchman was fired after the club saw their five-year reign as European champions end with defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.

Lyon were two points behind PSG in the league when Vasseur was dismissed, with their rivals going on to win their first ever French title, ending Lyon’s 14-year stay at the top of the division.

Vasseur has also had spells in charge of men’s clubs including Reims, Creteil, Paris FC and Chateauroux.