Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been speaking about what the season’s objectives are after a slow start.
David Moyes’ side started the campaign strongly, but they’ve hit a wall since entering the autumn and now languish in 15th.
Everton have the chance to move up into 12th with a win against Sunderland tonight, although they’re likely to be the underdogs.
Despite a concerning run of form, Jordan Pickford hasn’t wavered in his beliefs on where the Toffees can finish this season.
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Speaking to the BBC, Pickford admitted that Champions League qualification could still be in reach when asked about Everton’s objectives this year.
“We want to be pushing that top half of the table,” the 31-year-old explained. The manager is driving us to be in the top half and try to get into Europe.
“I think getting into the top half and sustaining that momentum in the top half and not dropping down and keep putting us as players that pressure, to go get more results and keep improving, is definitely a drive.
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“I think if we do that and, with the squad we have, we can push for Europe. We never know if it will be Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, but if we are in that bracket then we have had a good season.”
Moyes has made it clear he wants Europe but clearly a lot needs to change for that goal to be achieved.
“We had an incredible time at West Ham and winning a European trophy. But now back at Everton, I’ve got to try and set the same sort of sights for Everton as well.
“In the early parts of my career when I was Everton manager, we did get to Europe quite regularly and it has to be, I feel as if it has to be a target for us.”
Jordan Pickford says Everton belong in Europe
Pickford also added that Everton are a club who belong in Europe, and that was an incentive when he signed from Sunderland in 2017.
“When I first signed we were in Europe and that was the driver then and that is where Everton should be,” the England international said.
“We had the two or three years that were a bit of a rollercoaster ride, weathered those storms and now it is all looking positive and the club is going in the right direction.
“You see with the signings the club has made and the drive we have this season to improve, it comes from the top of the club.
“I think we will see a lot more positive results and us pushing higher up the table. You want to be playing in the Premier League and I have that opportunity with Everton.”
For Everton to realise those European goals, a striker must be a top priority in the January transfer window, as Beto and Thierno Barry just aren’t doing enough at the moment.