While many managers outside the Premier League's elite Big Six clubs might avoid discussing European football for fear of tempting fate, Everton boss David Moyes is boldly embracing a 'why not?' mentality. He is actively encouraging his players to aim high and reach for the stars, fostering an atmosphere of optimism at Goodison Park.
Everton's Position and European Prospects
The Toffees currently sit eighth in the Premier League table as they prepare for Tuesday's crucial home clash against Bournemouth. A victory in this match would propel them up to sixth place, leapfrogging rivals Liverpool and Brentford in the standings. With a top-five finish likely securing Champions League football, positions six, seven, and eight could potentially offer routes into European competitions next season.
Moyes's Positive Philosophy
David Moyes does not shy away from openly discussing the possibility of a continental tour, dismissing any notion of jinxing the club's chances. He firmly believes that Everton should consistently be competing in those European places and views past years without such contention as wasted opportunities. "I think Everton should be kicking around those places, I really do," Moyes stated emphatically. "All the years they were not were wasted years. Everton should be attempting to be in Europe."
The experienced manager acknowledges that the team might fall short or face criticism later in the season for his ambitious talk, but he remains committed to instilling a more positive mindset. "I have been trying to make Everton more positive, a better look, a better feel, better results all in the hope that... hey, you never know," he explained. Moyes admitted that it might be too soon this year, and a couple of losses could shift focus to avoiding relegation, but he insists on maintaining high aspirations given their current position.
Historical Context and Changing Landscape
Reflecting on his first spell at Everton fifteen years ago, Moyes recalled the immense difficulty of breaking into the top tier. "It was terrible, we could not break the ceiling of the top teams. We were trying to break it, be better than those four or five teams. Every year, getting to the Champions League felt impossible just about," he said. The club did achieve it once in 2005, proving it was not entirely unattainable.
Moyes highlighted the evolving competitiveness of the Premier League, where even teams in 15th place could potentially secure European football with a strong run of form. "So if we can just keep nudging the points along... we've had a couple of disappointing draws but they've helped," he noted, emphasizing the importance of accumulating points steadily.
Squad Fitness and Personal Motivation
For the first time in many months, Moyes has a nearly fully fit squad at his disposal, with only Jack Grealish sidelined for the season. At 62 years old, the Scottish manager declared that he is no longer in management merely to fight relegation battles; he is focused on looking upward and achieving more.
Drawing from his experience at West Ham, Moyes underscored the transformative impact of European football. "Looking back I think now, 'My goodness, those years in Europe made some difference to West Ham as a football club'," he added. He pointed to significant financial benefits, enhanced club perception, and memorable runs to a semi-final, quarter-final, and final over three years.
European qualification also serves as a gateway to attracting better players, Moyes argued. With Everton knocked out of the FA Cup, he expressed a desire for continued involvement in meaningful competitions. "Next weekend, because we are knocked out of the FA Cup, I'll be sitting twiddling my thumbs so I want us to be involved. I am too old to sit here and say I'm just going to try and keep us away from the bottom of the league," he concluded, reinforcing his commitment to ambitious goals.
