Everton manager David Moyes faces journalists ahead of Saturday’s Premier League home match against Crystal Palace
The Toffees begin their second campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend when the Eagles visit Merseyside, with Moyes eager for a quick beginning.
The club welcome the London outfit following pre-season preparations that encompassed a two-game German tour and a impressive victory against Newcastle United in the Scottish capital, as recent additions Hayden Hackney and Brennan Johnson have been bedded into the squad.
Further work remains in the transfer window, but Moyes will be determined to kick off with a victory when he greets incoming Palace manager Pierre Sage to the riverfront venue.
Chris Beesley will be present to hear from the manager this afternoon.
The open portion of the press conference has now ended.
Patrick raises the subject of Harrison Armstrong, with Moyes stating he is being fast-tracked into the senior side quicker than even he anticipated, though his displays have justified the rapid promotion.
The manager notes the youngster is athletic and robust and has risen to the challenge effectively, offering the team additional options.
Patrick Boyland of the Athletic inquires about Merlin Rohl at right-back. Moyes responds that Rohl possesses versatility across several positions, and those who observed him during pre-season would acknowledge he has performed impressively. He suggests the player is capable of stepping up and has delivered solid performances. He notes the club are in need of a right-back but compares the situation to Nunes at Manchester City, suggesting an internal solution might be found.
Moyes praises the tremendous support the club has received from fans. He mentions the stadium may not yet have decorations and artwork installed, but the venue is beginning to feel like home. He acknowledges away form pleased travelling supporters but wants to improve results on their own ground.
Moyes states more is required to qualify for European competition and anticipates further signings, though remains uncertain whether deals will materialise.
Moyes reveals he was deeply disappointed with last season’s conclusion. He explains he needed considerable time over the summer to move past it. He emphasises European qualification makes a substantial impact but notes nobody presented that as an objective for their inaugural season at the stadium.
Moyes discusses bringing Hayden Hackney into the side, noting that while Tim Cahill made an immediate impact, other Championship signings required more time to establish themselves.
Moyes references Manchester City and Arsenal’s conversions of players from different positions into right-backs.
Moyes expresses that while they could certainly go out and purchase a right-back, they want any new addition to be superior to what they currently possess.
Giulia Bould of BBC Radio Merseyside mentions all his right-back pursuits have fallen through. He cites multiple factors including fitness issues and valuation disagreements.
Moyes emphasises the tremendous significance of beginning positively. He felt similarly following a promising start to the previous campaign.
When questioned about Hayden Hackney’s adjustment to top-flight football, Moyes suggests he can follow precedents and become an England international but cautions against expecting excessive progress too rapidly.
Regarding Brennan Johnson’s potential first appearance for Everton against his former club Palace, Moyes references Dwight McNeil moving in the opposite direction and suggests facing former employers immediately is challenging.
Stuart from Premier League Productions asks whether a record nine new managers makes the Premier League more open. Moyes expresses uncertainty, referencing figures like Mourinho, Klopp, Guardiola and Ancelotti, suggesting some from the new wave might eventually join that group, though it presents a significant test.
Regarding opposing manager Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace, Moyes notes he employed comparable tactics at Lens but acknowledges the Premier League represents a demanding environment.
On the James Tarkowski captaincy matter, Moyes explains Tarky served as captain for most of last season and the choice was straightforward, though he faces competition and must perform well.
Moyes states he is determined to restore Everton to the upper echelons.
He concedes he has not matched Howard Kendall’s achievements but aims to return to those standards and has a clear vision of what that entails.
Moyes anticipates a challenging season opener due to James Garner’s injury, Christian Norgaard’s groin surgery and Tim Iroegbunam’s fitness issues.
Moyes suggests perhaps five or six managers might rank ahead of him in the pursuit of a right-back.
He confirms the club has submitted offers for preferred right-back targets but notes alternatives like Jake O’Brien have performed creditably there and they still retain Patterson.
He suggests current options might prove more effective than available purchases, citing financial constraints.
Alan highlights David Moyes’ 28-year managerial career, suggesting he can exceed that record in terms of service.
Moyes expresses readiness and describes it as a privilege.
The Everton manager has entered the room.
Alan Myers of Sky Sports will pose the initial question of the open press conference.
While awaiting David Moyes, who was scheduled to appear at 1:30pm, photographs show Everton players arriving at Finch Farm for training earlier this week.
As well as the Eagles encounter, transfer discussion is inevitable with the window remaining open.
Questions will certainly arise regardless. Let us see what responses emerge.
David Moyes indicated this week that considerably more work remains necessary, while chief executive Angus Kinnear commented on satisfaction with Everton’s completed business.
Good afternoon from Finch Farm and welcome to the live coverage of David Moyes’ pre-match press conference for Everton’s season-opening fixture against Crystal Palace. Substantial matters require discussion.
Based on my assessment, Everton could be missing three players for Saturday’s home Premier League encounter with Crystal Palace, with all three occupying midfield roles.
James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam and recent acquisition Christian Norgaard.
An update from David Moyes is expected shortly.
Transfers remain a hot topic.
We heard from David Moyes for the initial time this summer earlier this week during a Sky Sports interview.
The Everton manager made clear that while pleased with completed transfers, additional moves are essential.
Moyes will undoubtedly face questions regarding progress in that area.
James Tarkowski has been appointed Everton’s new club captain.
The 33-year-old succeeds long-serving Seamus Coleman, who departed the Blues this summer following seventeen-and-a-half years of service.
Welcome to David Moyes’ first Premier League press conference of the campaign.
The Blues manager should join us from 1:30pm.