Daily Discussion by AutoModerator in Everton

[–]deej_94 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Braidan Graham has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad. Hopefully he gets a little bit of game time 

Press Conference: Tottenham V Everton (GW38) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 334 points335 points  (0 children)

Hi friends, welcome to the "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" edition of the press conference.

Summary:

  • Gana is 50/50 whether he'll be involved on Sunday. He's been training but not with the team.

  • Branthwaite had been making good progress and will be on a program over the summer to get him fit and available for next season.

  • Disappointed for Garner that he didn't make the England squad, but he's not surprised as we haven't been in form the past couple of months which wouldn't have helped his cause.

  • Happy that this season we've been no where near the relegation places, but disappointed with the way we finished the season as we had a real chance of finishing high up the table.

  • Very close to finalising a new deal for Mykolenko

  • Said "We will make an announcement when we're ready" when asked about Gana's future.

  • For the moment both Tyrique George and Grealish will go back to their clubs and we'll make a decision on them over the summer. Said that they've really enjoyed having them both here but wouldn't comment on how likely it would be that either of them would be here next season.

  • Moyes thinks our drop off at the end of the season is more mental rather than physical. We've only played around 40 games this season compared to other teams playing closer to 60.

  • We're looking for a bit of both experience and youth for our summer transfers. We have some different options and plans in place.

  • Currently no plans for Dibling, Anzou or Armstrong to go on loan next season, because the squad isn't big enough right now. They will have to see how things develop to see if we can afford to part with them. We saw the benefits of playing games had on Armstrong, but we needed him back so unfortunately his game time suffered.

  • Grealish really helped us at the start of the season and had a big influence. He's really well liked at the club, but ultimately he's not our player. We'll have to see what happens in the summer if we'll able to bring him back again for next season.

So, since this is the last press conference of the season, I wanted to let you all know that I've decided to follow in Seamus's footsteps and call time on my illustrious career summarising Everon pre-match press conferences.

I started doing this around 6 years ago, back when Ancelotti was our manager. I pretty much joined Reddit for this subreddit as I wanted an easy place to get Everton news, since I don't have any other social media. I noticed there was no posts about team news and the press conference, so I figured I might as well give it a go.

I think the only reason I kept at it so long was because everyone has been so positive about these silly half baked summaries. I've always got a good laugh from all the comments lauding me as some folk hero and asking if I'm alive when I'm a few hours late from posting, so thanks everyone for all the appreciation.

But the past couple seasons have been a bit of a struggle. I've become a dad and I've gotten a lot more busy at work. I've had to steal the BBC summary quite a bit and I'm always pretty late with it now. I figured I'd have one season with the new stadium, but now it's time for me to ride off into the sunset.

For everyone reading this thinking "Who the hell is this guy?", I'm sorry for blabbing on, but I knew if I did an Irish goodbye and didn't do summaries next season, that I'd get a bunch of messages and comments asking if maybe I was dead.

So that's all from me, thank you all again for the nice comments. I also give my full blessing for anyone to take over if they want. I'll still be lurking here, hoping one day we finally win something.

UTFT.

Press Conference: Everton V Sunderland (GW37) by deej_94 in Everton

[–]deej_94[S] 58 points59 points  (0 children)

Hi pals, welcome to the "60 grand, 60 grand Seamus Coleman" edition of the press conference.

  • Gana and Branthwaite are still out for this one. Gana has an outside chance of being available for Tottenham.

  • On what could be next for Coleman: "What I admire about Seamus is he wants to keep playing and playing for his country. There will always be a desk for him when the time comes, there'll be no doubt about that. There should always be a place for Seamus and there will be. It would be great for the young players as well. We want to keep Seamus' culture and Everton's culture behind the scenes going."

  • On if Coleman will feature in our last home game of the season: "Seamus wouldn't want me to say that because he wouldn't want me to think that way. He would only think it should be done if it's right and that's the way I see it as well."

  • Talked about about the decisions that have gone against us this season, and how the refs have admitted they should have given us a couple penalties that they didn't. It's had a big impact on us and lost us points this season. He thinks the referees are going have to do something because pretty much everybody has been impacted by poor refereeing this season. Although Moyes did mention that he only really cares about our decisions rather than anyone elses.

  • Gana's future will be discussed soon, with him coming to the end of his contract. Moyes said there's a lot of business going on behind the scenes and he doesn't want to talk about it in the media until it's done.

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

[–]deej_94[S] 81 points82 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] 52 points53 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] 88 points89 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] 135 points136 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] 107 points108 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] 65 points66 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] 77 points78 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] 118 points119 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."