After the transfer deadline day drama and the disappointment of how Everton’s summer window closed, many had expected David Moyes pre-match press conference today to be nothing short of incendiary, especially given that no one in the club’s leadership has bothered to address the supporters in any manner.
However, it ended up being a much more sedate affair than we all expected, with Moyes’ measured answers making sure he didn’t anger his bosses while keeping the fanbase on his side.
When asked about
his thoughts on deadline day and with just Jack Grealish and Ainsley Maitland-Niles being brought in, he said –
“[I am] disappointed we didn’t do more business, things did not go our way in the end. In football, you have to live with disappointments and move on. In this case, we will.”
On Folarin Balogun refusing to sign a contract and leaving Finch Farm, the manager took a diplomatic tone.
“It wasn’t anyone’s fault. It happens in football a lot that the player has a problem with their medical. That was it. There are no other stories behind it.“
This is the smallest squad the Toffees have entered a season with in the Premier League and while Moyes acknowledged that he also felt that it would create opportunities for his players.
“I know what I needed and I know what it’s like to build a squad for the Premier League. I know the numbers you need. I’ve been around long enough to know that, but some things went against us and some things could have gone better. Ultimately, we didn’t want to lose a lot of the players, but for different reasons that had to happen.
“They’re all going to have to be able to muck in as we’ve got a real small squad now. It gives opportunities to some people who have not had them and sometimes in football you need to be given that chance so that you can show what you can do.
“Let’s see if some of them can do that. I have no concerns. I am sure they will be fully at-it.”
Speaking of departures, the loss of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City is one that the Toffees have become inured to.
“Sometimes it’s quite difficult when the likes of a Man City come along looking for your players. It has done – I lost Wayne to Man United. I’ve lost Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell to Man City over the years.”
Is he accepting this as being part of the Everton reality?
“No, I’m not, because I know what I need and I know what it looks like to build a squad for the Premier League… some things went against us, some we could have done better.”
Regarding the ownership, had Moyes spoken with the Friedkins about investing in the squad or even the news that they might be looking to sell the club?
“No, I’ve had no conversations with them, and certainly not on investments or the club. It’s probably outside my jurisdiction.
“I think we’ve got new owners in who are still finding their way at the club. I think as we get to know each other a lot better, I think it will get better.”
Fans have been speculating that Braiden Graham should be given a shot at backing up Thierno Barry, but the manager shot that talk down.
“I don’t think he’s a striker, first of all. He’s probably someone who would play off the sides for us. I like Braiden, he’s trained with us quite a lot and he was in pre-season with us. He’s certainly moving in the right direction. It would be a difficult ask for any young player to come in and be a source for goals.
“We’ve got some academy players who will obviously get involved. Are they ready to make the step up? I’m not sure about that. We will see how that goes. Some of them might be pushed in.”
