This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Journalist Greg O’Keeffe has praised Marco Silva for his determined managerial efforts against West Ham United, claiming the Portuguese arrived at Goodison Park with a different mentality to previous games.
What did he say?
Everton returned to winning ways over the weekend after their impressive 2-0 win over the Hammers. It was indeed the first time Everton looked convincing in the Premier League, having looked far superior to Manuel Pellegrini’s side throughout.
It now means that the Toffees have jumped out of the relegation zone and into 15th on 10 points – the same as Manchester United. O’Keeffe wrote for The Athletic: “Marco Silva arrived at Goodison Park on Saturday morning looking like he meant business.
“He stepped off Everton’s team coach with his head bowed and a steely look in his eyes. He led his team through the players’ entrance and would continue to lead them all afternoon. “
O’Keeffe also touches on how majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri was seen at Goodison Park in what was a rare attendance on Merseyside for him.
Silva picked the perfect time
As Moshiri was watching the game, it seems as if Silva picked the perfect time to show the owner what he can do. Over the international break, it was reported by the Daily Star that the Iranian handed the manager the next three games to save his job.
So, with Moshiri in attendance, it’s fair to say that Silva knocked one of those games down and in convincing fashion as well. Across the pitch, players put in inspiring performances, whilst the boss at the helm was seen to put in a motivational, passionate display from the touchline.
Players who have often struggled surprisingly stepped up for Silva, such as Theo Walcott and Yerry Mina.
The key now for the Everton boss is to build and grow his team. The next two games for 42-year-old are the away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion and the Carabao Cup clash at Goodison Park with Watford. If the former Hornets boss can pick up three points on the south coast and get past his old side in the League Cup, he may well have secured his future on Merseyside, for now at least.
One thing is for certain, regardless of the performance, he must keep up this positive and inspiring attitude that O’Keeffe saw on display.
These characteristics may prove vital in motivating his side.
