Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed that talks over him signing a new contract have hit "a bit of a lull" amid The Friedkin Group's decision to put the club up for sale. However, the Blues boss has again stressed that the progress of the club is the "most important thing" for him, not his own future.
Everton welcome Chelsea to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday (12.30pm kick-off) sitting fifth in the Premier League table and having enjoyed an eight-match unbeaten start to the season in all competitions. But the lunchtime showdown will be the Blues' first home fixture since the club's owners, The Friedkin Group, confirmed they are ready to sell up less than two years after completing their takeover from Farhad Moshiri.
Contract talks paused
Moyes' current contract is set to run out at the end of the campaign. It is understood that the discussions that took place over the summer over a new deal for the 63-year-old were put on hold until the end of the transfer window. The chaotic conclusion to the window proved to be a poor one for Everton, leaving them with a squad comprising just 18 senior outfield players including one left-back, one right-back and one striker in the form of top-scorer Thierno Barry.
After The Friedkin Group's announcement, it now appears Moyes' future could be decided by the club's next owners. Asked for an update on his own situation at Friday's Finch Farm press conference, he said: "I'm getting on with the job and trying to build Everton and keep it going in the right direction. We’ve done some half-decent things in the last year and a half, so we’ll see."
"There’s been plenty of talks happening through the summer, but maybe with the way things have gone at the moment, there’s maybe been a bit of a lull, trying to get things in order. But like I’ve said many times, it’s not the most important thing for me. I just want to keep trying to drive Everton on, build them up, and see if we can improve."
Chelsea clash and top-four push
Victory over Chelsea would see the Blues climb into the top four. They ran out convincing 3-0 winners in last season's corresponding fixture between the clubs, and Moyes is demanding a similar performance on Saturday. He said: "Chelsea have a great reputation over 20 years in the Premier League so we did really well to beat them like that. Now we have to try and do it again."
"We have to have the same attitude and same mentality as we had on the night. We knew if we were going to be around Europe we'd have to win some of those big games at home and we did manage that on the night."
Back in March, Beto was Everton's two-goal hero against Chelsea, but he was one of four first-team players sold on transfer deadline day for more than £100m. His departure means Barry is now leading the line for the Blues, and despite missing a host of chances this season, he has scored six goals in eight games after his strike in last Sunday's 2-2 draw at Hull City.
Moyes on Barry's form
Moyes said: "We’re so pleased about the goals he’s scoring but somebody told me the other day he’s missed the most big chances in the Premier League. Some centre-forwards might see that as, maybe not a compliment, but that they’re still getting in the right place at the right time."
"As a manager you just want them to score. I don't think we’ll necessarily be a team that gets loads and loads of opportunities, so we have to be clinical when we get them. So I’d like him to score more, I’d like him to be cleaner (with his finishing), but I am pleased with the way he’s moving forward."
