Everton manager David Moyes has provided key insights ahead of Monday's crucial Premier League encounter against Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The boss addressed team fitness, the club's season trajectory, and future ambitions during his pre-match press conference.
Good news for the Toffees as striker Beto is confirmed to be back in training and available for selection, having successfully completed the concussion protocol. Moyes noted no other significant team news, mentioning only a few minor niggles and knocks, with the final lineup decisions to be made closer to Monday night.
Reflecting on the season, Moyes expressed satisfaction with Everton's "settled" run, largely free from drama, and believes the club has laid strong foundations during their inaugural year at Hill Dickinson Stadium. He also voiced frustration regarding the PGMOL's response to Everton's denied penalty at West Ham, calling the feedback "rubbish" and "never what you want to hear."
On the prospect of challenging for European football, Moyes admitted the players are "not used to it" but acknowledged it's a "better feeling than trying to avoid relegation." He hopes for continued improvement to challenge top teams. However, he cautioned that this season's performance and the new stadium will have "not much" impact on summer transfer business, as players primarily seek European involvement, which Everton struggled to offer last summer.
Regarding the formidable challenge posed by Manchester City, Moyes acknowledged their current form is "not unexpected" given their capabilities. He anticipates a tough match but believes that "if we can do something special it could help us greatly" in their pursuit of a strong finish.
Moyes also touched upon the difficulties Monday night fixtures present for fans, particularly the younger generation who have school the next day. While recognizing the necessity of TV companies' money, he expressed concern about discouraging future generations of supporters due to late nights.
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