Everton manager David Moyes spoke to the media ahead of the first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Everton manager David Moyes speaks to the media
Everton manager David Moyes speaks to the media
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David Moyes wants to keep Everton’s European dream alive going into their first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium but remains wary of the teams over the Blues’ shoulder.
With six games to go, Everton sit eighth in the table on 47 points – five behind their fifth-placed neighbours in the last Champions League qualification spot – but also just five above Newcastle United in 14th place.
Asked about the prospect of catching Liverpool, Moyes said: “All we can do is try and catch who is above us. I think Brentford are the ones who are above us at the moment.
“We’ve got to attempt to try and get whoever we can. It’s probably more important that we don’t let anyone catch us because if we stay in a strong position, we’ll give ourselves every chance of maybe getting something regarding Europe.
“Maybe not, but we’ve got to try and make sure we fend off all the other teams as well.
“I think that’s the biggest thing for me, with six games to go we’ve got something to play for here. Over recent years it’s been the wrong thing we’ve been playing for but this year we’re getting a bit closer to the stuff you’d hope we’d be involved in.
“I’m hoping we can keep it going and sort of keep that dream alive. Let’s see what happens.”
Moyes, whose current contract runs until the end of next season, insisted: “There’s no need to start any talks now, I’ve got too much on my mind,” when it comes to a new deal, while revealing that Charly Alcaraz, was now back in training.
Fan group the 1878s have arranged another coach welcome and tifo for before the game and asked about their efforts, the 62-year-old said: “It’s brilliant. Look, we need to rebuild a lot of relationships at the club, mainly with a lot of the supporters.
“Any great support that people are putting up is fabulous. That’s what great football clubs do, their supporters get behind their team.”