Moyes on Beto, European football and Monday night games
TL;DR
Everton's David Moyes confirmed Beto is back in training ahead of the match against Manchester City. He discussed the challenges of Monday night games and the club's aspirations for European football.
Key points
- Beto is back in training after concussion protocol
- Moyes comments on Everton's European aspirations
- Challenges of Monday night games for fans
- No significant team news reported
- Moyes reflects on the club's settled run this season
Everton boss David Moyes has been speaking to the media before Monday's Premier League game against Manchester City at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- Beto is back in training and available after going through the concussion protocol.
- No other team news to report. Moyes said there are a few niggles and knocks but "everything is as we are" and "we will have to see where they are Monday night".
- Moyes says Everton have heard back from the PGMOL after being denied a penalty at West Ham. "It is always rubbish you get back... it is never what you want to hear."
- Reflecting on this season, Moyes believes Everton have had a "settled" run without much drama and he thinks they have laid good foundations during their first year at Hill Dickinson Stadium and they want to build on it.
- On challenging for European football: "The players aren't used to it. But it's a better feeling than trying to avoid relegation. Hopefully we keep improving and challenge the best teams."
- Moyes says this season, and the new stadium, will mean "not much" when it comes to transfer business this summer: "Players want to play in the Premier League but they also want to be involved in European football. We've been close this year, top end of the league. We struggled to attract players in the summer because they want European football."
- On Manchester City's form: "It is not unexpected - Manchester City are capable of things like this." He said it will be tough "but we know if we can do something special it could help us greatly".
- Moyes spoke of the difficulties Monday night games pose to him and the fans: "We need the TV companies' money. If you're good enough and get Europe you won't have them as much. I feel for the supporters, for the younger generation who are at school the next day, late nights and all that. We don't want to discourage that generation of fans."
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[BBC]
Q&A
Is Beto available for the match against Manchester City?
Yes, Beto is back in training and available after completing the concussion protocol.
What did Moyes say about Everton's chances for European football?
Moyes believes the players are not used to competing for European spots but hopes they can improve and challenge the best teams.
What are the challenges of Monday night games according to Moyes?
Moyes expressed concern for younger fans who have school the next day and acknowledged the financial necessity of such games.
