Everton boss David Moyes has set sights on a return to European football in his second spell in charge of the club.
The former Manchester United manager returned to the dugout at the Goodison Park in January, taking over from former head coach Sean Dyche who was sacked with the club in relegation waters.
Moyes has overseen a massive improvement in performance with the Toffees now 14 points clear of the drop zone, losing just twice since his return at the start of the year.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s early kickoff against Arsenal on Saturday, the 61-year old stated his desire to challenge for European places with the club, a feat he achieved four times in his first stint in charge.
“In many ways, I think in the first period I was here, I think we were successful. We were near the bottom of the league when we took over, but we found ourselves challenging for Europe, trying to challenge the teams at the top”, Moyes stated.
“We would like to try and get Everton back to where they’re challenging again for European football.”
Moyes enjoyed a successful time at Everton between 2002 and 2013, securing qualification for European football while also finishing fourth in 2005, a highest ever league finish in the Premier League era.
“Coming back I wasn’t sure how it was going to be,” he continued. “I wasn’t really expecting to be back so when it happened I was thrilled at the reception I got.
Taking over was a worry to me. I wouldn’t say I’ve got any legacy here but I had 11 brilliant years.
I’m thinking ‘if I come back here and get Everton relegated, this will be a disaster’. So really that was in my mind the whole time that that was a possibility”, the former West Ham United boss added.
The Toffees were beaten 1-0 in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday, ending thejr unbeaten streak of nine games and will hope to bounce back when they host second-placed Arsenal in Saturday’s early kickoff game.
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