Moyes on Alcaraz return, catching Liverpool and European 'dream'

TL;DR

David Moyes confirmed Charly Alcaraz's return ahead of Everton's match against Liverpool. He emphasized the team's focus on catching those above them in the league and keeping their European ambitions alive.

Key points

Charly Alcaraz returns to the squad
Moyes focuses on catching teams above them
Everton aims to keep European ambitions alive

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Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool at the Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

On the latest team news, Moyes confirmed Charly Alcaraz is back and his squad are nearly close to full fitness apart from Jack Grealish, who is still sidelined.
On whether winning on Sunday and catching Liverpool is on his mind, he said his focus is on catching "whoever is above us" and they have to "try and fend off" those behind them.
He added: "I think the biggest thing for me that we're six games to go and we have something to play for here."
Reflecting on the changing ambitions of the club, he said: "Over recent years, it's been the wrong thing we've been playing for, but this year we're getting a bit closer to where you'd hope we'd be in. I'm hoping we can keep it going and keep that dream alive. Let's see what happens."
On Beto's improving form, Moyes said: "I'm fortunate I get to see him all year and I've seen good signs all year. Maybe when it came down to the actions on the pitch, he just couldn't reproduce. The biggest thing I keep telling people is his effort to work is as big as anybody and his attitude to try and improve is so good."
Reacting to reports that talks to extend his contract beyond next season have started, he responded that it is "not important" for him and his focus is on Everton competing high up in the league every season.
On how different this season's Merseyside derby at the new stadium will be compared to last season's dramatic 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, Moyes said: "It was amazing the last game at Goodison and it was a privilege that I was in that position to take the team. A bit sad to leave Goodison because it was so important to me, my family, everybody over many years. But leaving it in a good way was pleasing."
He added: "We're in the Hill Dicky now and we're enjoying it."

Listen to full match commentary of Everton v Liverpool on BBC Radio 5 Live at 14:00 BST

Q&A

What did David Moyes say about Charly Alcaraz's return?

David Moyes confirmed that Charly Alcaraz is back and the squad is nearing full fitness, except for Jack Grealish, who remains sidelined.

How does Moyes plan to approach the match against Liverpool?

Moyes stated that his focus is on catching whoever is above them in the league, rather than just Liverpool, as they aim to fend off teams below them.

What are Moyes's thoughts on Everton's ambitions this season?

Moyes reflected on the club's changing ambitions, expressing hope that they are getting closer to their goals and aiming to keep their European dream alive.