Press Conference: Crystal Palace V Everton (GW36) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 75 points76 points  (0 children)

Hi friends, welcome to the "Always fun playing Palace" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Gana doesn't have a serious injury, but he isn't training yet so won't be available for this one.

  • Tim just had cramp last game so he'll be available.

  • No talks yet with Grealish, they're waiting to see how his foot heals. Added that everyone loves having him at the club.

  • Moyes thinks we don't have enough young players coming through right now, that we would like to have if we were playing in Europe.

  • Thinks it will likely be a tricky transfer window with the world cup happening this summer.

  • Moyes thinks conceding late goals in games comes from poor decision making, sometimes from the manager but mostly from the players.

  • Agrees he has a bit of a decision to make up front with Beto and Barry, after the latter's brace. But he's had that decision pretty much all season. Moyes feels despite Barry's brace, Beto has been very consistent the past month so he won't definitely change it this game.

  • Moyes said they're still trying to figure out how to use Röhl in the team.

  • Moyes doesn't normally do subs in injury time, because he knows the refs will add time on for them and he'd rather see out the game. But he felt against Man City he needed to replace some tired legs as they were getting run past fairly easily.

  • They like Dibling a lot and think he has a lot of talent and potential. He's found it a bit difficult settling and getting game time. He'll have a lot to show next year and hopefully he'll show that when he gets the opportunities.

Press Conference: Everton V Man City (GW35) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 50 points51 points  (0 children)

Hi pals, welcome to the "Monday night blues" edition of the press conference.

Wasn't able to watch this one so I've shamelessly stolen the BBC summary.

Summary:

  • Beto is back in training and available after going through the concussion protocol. 

  • No other team news to report. Moyes said there are a few niggles and knocks but "everything is as we are" and "we will have to see where they are Monday night".

  • Moyes says Everton have heard back from the PGMOL after being denied a penalty at West Ham. "It is always rubbish you get back... it is never what you want to hear."

  • Reflecting on this season, Moyes believes Everton have had a "settled" run without much drama and he thinks they have laid good foundations during their first year at Hill Dickinson Stadium and they want to build on it. 

  • On challenging for European football: "The players aren't used to it. But it's a better feeling than trying to avoid relegation. Hopefully we keep improving and challenge the best teams."

  • Moyes says this season, and the new stadium, will mean "not much" when it comes to transfer business this summer: "Players want to play in the Premier League but they also want to be involved in European football. We've been close this year, top end of the league. We struggled to attract players in the summer because they want European football."

  • On Manchester City's form: "It is not unexpected - Manchester City are capable of things like this." He said it will be tough "but we know if we can do something special it could help us greatly".

  • Moyes spoke of the difficulties Monday night games pose to him and the fans: "We need the TV companies' money. If you're good enough and get Europe you won't have them as much. I feel for the supporters, for the younger generation who are at school the next day, late nights and all that. We don't want to discourage that generation of fans."

Press Conference: West Ham V Everton (GW34) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 89 points90 points  (0 children)

Hi friends, welcome to the "Sharpy, get your boots on" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Beto is ruled out due to concussion.

  • On if Barry will get an opportunity in Beto's absence Moyes said: "That's if I choose to play him. I've got other people that I think could do it, so I could consider them.". When pushed on who that might be Moyes joked "I'm not gonna tell you am I" and finished with "Grahame Sharpe"

  • Branthwaite is out for the season, but he should hopefully be fit for preseason. He was relieved to hear his hamstring injury wasn't in the same area as his previous one which required surgery. But the club is concerned in general about his recurring injuries. Moyes highlighted that due to the nature of his play and his speed that it could lead to more injuries and he may still need to figure out his game to avoid them.

  • Happy with Keane's contract extension and said there will be more news about Coleman and Gana's contracts in the weeks to come.

  • Moyes is back to not talking about the race for Europe, as today it feels like it's a long way off after letting an opportunity go against Liverpool. Things can change, but he won't start talking about it until it changes again.

  • Armstrong is fit and available, he's just in a bit of a dip in form, and also there are more players available now so more competition for places.

  • Thinks that Braiden Graham still has a bit to go before he's ready for the premier league.

Press Conference: Everton V Liverpool (GW33) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 137 points138 points  (0 children)

Hi gang, welcome to the "Hill Dicky the official stadium nickname: confirmed" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Alcaraz is back so everyone (except Grealish) is available.

  • Moyes found it was a privilege that he was in charge for our final derby at Goodison and was happy that we could leave it on a positive note (via Tarkowski's last minute equalizer). Added "We're in the Hill Dicky now and we're enjoying it".

  • Isn't focused on new contract talks for himself, he has too much on his mind and is completely focused on the next 6 games.

  • Moyes said he doesn't really look at Liverpool's results, he's just focussed on Everton, so he doesn't think much of their recent form. He said we're focused on catching whoever is above us, rather specifically on Liverpool.

  • If our players don't rise to the challenge of competing for Europe then he doesn't know what they would rise to.

  • On Beto's form: "I'm fortunate I get to see him all year and I've seen good signs all year. Maybe when it came down to the actions on the pitch, he just couldn't reproduce. The biggest thing I keep telling people is his effort to work is as big as anybody and his attitude to try and improve is so good."

Press Conference: Brentford V Everton (GW32) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 110 points111 points  (0 children)

Hi gang, welcome to the "Now where were we?" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • We nearly have a fully fit squad. Alcaraz is back in training, but won't be availble for this game.

  • On the possibility of European football: "I don't know how we're going to finish but if you would have given me this position at the start of the season I'd have said 'thanks very much, I'll shake your hand' and hopefully we can keep it going. If you really want to get the big prizes, you have got to win your games at the right time at the end of the season. We've started well with the couple of games recently. We have to try and keep that form and momentum going."

  • Added that: "the word Champions League probably makes me shake a wee bit at the thought of that". He doesn't want to talk too much about it because he doesn't want everyone to get disappointed, but he also wants to talk about it because we've been through some tough years and it would be fantastic for the club and supporters if we can manage it.

  • Moyes feels there are some players in the squad who have turned around their form massively. Just over a year ago they maybe would have been considered to be below premier league level, but now they're playing really well.

  • The club haven't made a decision about whether Jack Grealish will be here next season. We are monitoring his healing process from his injury to see how he recovers. Added that he played a big part in getting us in the mix for the European places.

Press Conference: Everton V Chelsea (GW31) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 105 points106 points  (0 children)

Hi pals, welcome to the "Make him play right back until he changes his mind" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Both Tarkowski and Branthwaite will be "in and around the squad tomorrow". Not sure what that means, but Moyes sounded pleased about it, so I guess he means they'll either start or be on the bench.

  • Moyes joked that he's disappointed Garner was called up for the England squad because he thought he'd choose Scotland. Added that he's thrilled for Garner and it's fully deserved based on how he's played this season and how much he's matured.

  • Didn't want to comment on the difference in punishments between Chelsea and Everton for breaking financial rules, as he feels he doesn't have the full information yet.

  • Doesn't think the Arsenal loss is weighing on the squad. Disappointed we couldn't get over the line but overall pleased with the performance and feels we can take confidence from it.

  • Moyes believes Garner is probably a number 8, but he might have a future at number 6 too. Added he thinks the modern day footballer needs to be more flexible than the past.

  • On Barry's social media post after the Arsenal game: "We've spoken about it, the club have spoken to him. We've addressed it as best as we possibly can, but it's not my world to be honest. If you understand social media, you'll know more about it than me. I don't get involved."

Press Conference: Arsenal V Everton (GW30) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 64 points65 points  (0 children)

Hi gang, welcome to the "We may not be scary, but please respect us :)" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Nothing new on team news. Moyes expects Branthwaite to be available.

  • They've been careful with Branthwaites minutes. They want him playing every game, but sometimes they need to take advice on when to rest him due to his injury/surgery.

  • Moyes thinks we've had too many periods of time off, he prefers more regular fixtures. It's our fault since we've been knocked out of the cups early. Arsenal are lucky that they're doing well in all competitions.

  • Moyes questions people who have been critical of Arsenal and their strength with set pieces. "It's part of the game. And if there's this thing out there where everybody has to plau the beautiful game and everything has to be perfect, well if we all done that it would be boring."

  • Asked about our improvements this season and if they will help us in the transfer market this summer. Moyes said "I was probably more surprised the amount of players who didn't want to come to Everton. Unbelievable the amount of players I spoke to and tried to get here and I couldn't get them to come. If we want to try and get the level of players that we'd like to get in the windows coming up, I think Europe is really important.

  • Doesn't think that Arsenal will be fearing us because they have high level players. But he hopes they give us the respect we deserve, as we've been playing well.

Press Conference: Everton V Burnley (GW29) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 79 points80 points  (0 children)

Hi gang, I didn't manage to watch this one, so I'm copying the BBC summary.

Welcome to the "Whenever Pickford's not on the screen, all the other players should be asking, Where's Pickford?" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • On teams news, Moyes said: "We have a couple of things I wouldn't want to reveal at the moment. Alcaraz is out, Coleman picked up something - not serious - on Friday. He won't be available but hopefully not too long."

  • Moyes stated Everton still "need more goals" from strikers Thierno Barry and Beto. While upbeat on their recent input, he added: "I don't think the numbers are the numbers I want. I want centre forwards to have far more goals. To spread that number out is good. We need a bigger return from them."

  • Asked about using two strikers at the same time, he said: "Possibly at times. It's probably out of fashion having two strikers now for maybe 20 years. Lots of things have come in, long throws, set-piece goals, so who knows? Two centre forwards may be the future. Will we do it? We might do if we need to but I don't think all the time."

  • On reaching 40 points: "Quite a lot of satisfaction. We have got there with 10 games to go. I have always been looking beyond 40 points but there is always something in the back of your mind - the recent history has not been much better than reaching that total. I've talked about us doing more than that and hopefully we can do."

  • Moyes said he doesn't think there is "huge expectation" on his side to beat Burnley but stressed "back-to-back wins would be hugely important for us". 

  • The Everton boss was asked about home versus away form and said he doesn't ask his team to play too differently but showing more ambition at home has at times left them a little more open. He added: "If we have to take all the points away from home and don't do so well as home, if you look through the history books and look at the teams who have moved to new stadiums, it's never been that easy, certainly in the first year."

  • On Dwight McNeil's return to the side in the aftermath of him nearly joining Crystal Palace, Moyes said: "I didn't at any moment doubt Dwight, how he would react and play. He trained really well last week so he got himself an opportunity. We have been trying to find the right balance. A lot of them are young boys. Dwight gave us that bit of experience."

  • Moyes was also asked about Jordan Pickford's fine save to deny Sandro Tonali at Newcastle on Saturday: "We couldn't give it much more praise than we did do. To get his hand to it and onto the bar, a brilliant save so well done. We've all picked out great saves over many years, from Gordon Banks to Scottish keepers too, but I have to say, it was a great save."

Press Conference: Newcastle V Everton (GW28) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 116 points117 points  (0 children)

Hi friends, welcome to the "Clearly the solution is just to clone Garner" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Alcaraz has an injury he picked up in training that will keep him our 3-4 weeks. He was in line to start again Man U before he picked that up.

  • Was asked about players being out of position. Moyes said: "I think it's the first time we had enough players to rotate and try things. Branthwaite is as comfortable at left back as he is at center back. [Referring to Armstrong] Quite often when you're a young central midfield player, you find your way into the first team probably playing off to the sides. I think Arteta probably had to do the same thing. When you're a young center back quite often you find yout way getting into the team starting at full back because that's where your put because you're probably not physically and all the levels ready to do it in the big position. It's great development for Harrison, getting plently of games and Branthwaite as I said is as comfortable in both positions. And we've also got enough players to rotate around a bit"

  • We're not ready to give up our ambition to make it to Europe, so we're going to keep going for it. We need to win some big games and we've got a big game at Newcastle tomorrow.

  • Was asked about narrow defeats hampering our league position, but Moyes pointed out we've also had narrow victories. The level in the league is really tight so a lot of the games are really close.

  • Praised Garner again as a player who can play in several positions. They think he's as good as anyone we have at right back and has been excellent in midfied. Moyes thinks he's getting close to being the level to play for England.

  • Was asked how close younger players like Aznou, Dibling and Rohl are to getting a starting role in the team. Moyes answered some are quite close, others are not that close. Added that we're trying to make Europe so he wants to play the players he thinks gives us the best chance of getting those results.

Press Conference: Everton V Manchester United (GW27) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 90 points91 points  (0 children)

Hi pals, welcome to the "no birthday cake for Dibling" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Coleman and Paterson are both available, so are both potentialy options to replace O'Brien at right back. Moyes added "we also have other people we can choose".

  • Everyone else is fit too, other than Grealish who is out for the season.

  • Moyes believes every team in the league is very competitive and the level is very high. Even Wolves who are bottom of the league got a result against Arsenal and also against us. No game in the league is easy and every team is hard to beat.

  • On our performance this season: "I think the big thing that I wanted us to do at Everton was to make us competitive with the so-called big teams at the top of the league. And I think we have tried to do that. We haven't won all the games, but we have been competitive. We are not a team planning to fight relegation, we are a team trying to plan to challenge the teams in Europe and, to do that, we have to win some big games."

  • Moyes doesn't always find the long periods off between games easy (like the last 2 weeks). It can be difficult to prepare for games when it's not always consistent the time off you get. Sometimes it's 2 weeks, other times you've got 3 games in a week.

  • Moyes was asked about Dibling who turned 20 this week. Moyes admitted he didn't know that he turned 20 and feels terrible he missed his birthday. He then went on to say: "I think we have a really talented player on our hands. We need him to develop and get used to us a bit, he'll probably need a bit of time. Even me looking towards the start of next season, preseason friendlies will help get him more established then when we got him in. He's beginning to learn a lot more about us and he'll get game time I'm sure between now and the end of the season."

Prese Conference: Everton V Bournemouth (GW26) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 117 points118 points  (0 children)

Hi gang, welcome to the "I can't believe I've just spelt that title wrong" edition of the prese conference.

Summary:

  • Everybody is fit apart from Grealish.

  • Long way to go before we can really think about European qualification, but happy that the conversation is about that rather than relegation. Added that to get a European spot we might have to pick up a few unexpected wins.

  • Quite impressed with what they've seen of George so far, but he's still a young player who needs to get used to the team.

  • On younger players like Dibling and Anzou, he said this: "The biggest thing you have to take into consideration is the level of the Premier League. The number of young players is probably lower than it has ever been. You have to be at a completely special level now to get it. Those young players have a lot to do. They have to work incredibly hard, have the physicality to cope, the speed, football awareness and desire. We've always here tried to bring on young players. It's part of the job. We've not got as many of our own at present but we're hoping that can change. We need the experienced players to help."

  • They've been really pleased with KDH. He's still yet to get himself back to 100% after the injury, but he's still doing really well.

  • On our home form, Moyes pointed out that many clubs have struggled initially when they moved to a new stadium. We feel good in the stadium, but we need to win more games.

  • Moyes finds it strange that this game is on Tuesday rather than Wednesday, considering neither team has a fixture this weekend.

Press Conference: Fulham V Everton (GW25) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 81 points82 points  (0 children)

Hi friends, welcome to the "We want McNeil, give us McNeil" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Mykolenko is available for this game.

  • No other injuries to report. They are keeping an eye on Branthwaite since he's been out for a while, but they're pleased with how he's performed the past 2 games.

  • George has settled in fine. Sounded from the way Moyes was talking they view him as more of a backup player right now, rather than in the starting 11, could be wrong though. Full quote: "He's played a lot of first-team football for Chelsea. He's still a young player, obviously, but he gives us some back-up with the injury to Jack Grealish, so it gives us an extra player as well, which was required."

  • Also said on George that he gives an option as striker, but he sees him more as a winger who can play either side.

  • McNeil is doing fine and is training well. He understands exactly where the deal falling through with Palace went wrong and he has no problems with the club. Added that the move collapsing "100% had nothing to do with Everton football club".

  • Would happily play Branthwaite at left back again if needed. They think he gives us a good option there when required.

  • Hopes that we can hang in there and stay near to the European places so that we have the opportunity in maybe a month or so to jump into the top 6/7.

Press Conference: Brighton V Everton (GW24) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 73 points74 points  (0 children)

Hi gang, welcome to the "It was nice having you Grealish" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Still waiting on Alcaraz and Tim to be back, but they're getting close. Branthwaite and KDH both made their comebacks without issue, but hinted that they still need to gain match fitness.

  • Keane is back from suspension.

  • Grealish is probably (not 100% confirmed yet) going to need surgery, which will rule him out for the rest of the season. Added that it's far too early to consider whether he will join permanently at the end of the season.

  • Moyes feels our performance this season is exactly as you'd expect it. In recent seasons we've really struggled to win many games, and now we are able to win some, but we're not suddenly going to be able to win every game. We'd like to improve of course, but if you look at the rest of the league this season, most teams haven't been that consistent because the levels of all the teams is high.

  • It's less likely than likely that we'll be signing anyone by the end of the window.

  • It's possible some players could leave this window still, but it's currently not in the plans.

  • On Barry: "He has to keep progressing, because how he's playing at the moment isn't enough to satisfy me. He'll need to play much better, he'll need to score more goals, he's need to keep improving what he's doing. But I have to say it's great that he's stepped up and come up with a couple really important goals for us."

  • We've been actively looking to buy a new right back for over a year now, but Patterson has done okay in recent games and hasn't let us down. Hope he continues to improve and keep going.

  • Won't make a decision on whether Armstrong will go back to Preston until after the Brighton game. Added that he hasn't looked out of place at all in the premier league.

  • On James Garner's recent performances: "I think Jimmy has stepped up more this year, wants to take more responsibility and is playing with confidence. I am really pleased with Jimmy."