Silva: We are ready, more than ready!

Speaking in his first Everton pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League season opener away at Wolverhampton Wanderers, manager Marco Silva sounded a positive note with the club’s activity in the summer transfer window.

He started by confirming that the loan deal for Kurt Zouma was close.

“It’s almost done. Not official.”

Per the Liverpool Echo, Silva also confirmed there was no option to buy at the end of the year either.

His overall view of the work done in the transfer window was positive.

“We are stronger. But we have to start work with them to gel everything and adapt them as soon as possible.

“I’ve had fantastic support from the owner, Mr. Farhad, and from Marcel.

“They have done fantastic work to sign new players. We sold some players and some on loan. We have a big number of players. It’s not just the players to come in but everyone did fantastic work.”

Silva is satisfied with the additions to the squad.

“The market is difficult and the World Cup year is not easy. It’s not easy to bring players to Everton either because they ask for lots of money in some moments.

“But I am happy as a coach. We have finalised the market and we are happy with the players here and the players we’ve brought in.

“We signed six players. It’s easy when we sign one player like Bernard because you need a player with that profile.

“The left-back was the same situation. We had to bring in a new one.

“Of course you are happy. There is good competition. Now we have to start working. We want to win every game and will do everything to win all our matches but everyone knows what our goal is and now it is for the players to work hard and to support them to do well.”

Silva insisted his side was ready for tomorrow.

“I’m ready. I’m happy. It’s been a hard working year but everyone is happy at the club.

“Everyone has a smile one their face. As a club and a squad we are more than ready.”

On tomorrow’s opposition, the newly-promoted Wolves, who have not been shy in the transfer window themselves.

“They did a fantastic job last season and deserve to play at this level. I know not only Nuno but some new players they have bought.

“They play well. It’s a tough game for sure. It will be the first game for everyone but we want a good result - a good result for us is a win.”

He finished of by saying that the transfer work was not done, but the focus remained on the pitch.

“I’m working. I take decisions every time. Now is not the moment to talk about [player futures].

“What is really important is tomorrow’s game.

“If something happens in the next few weeks I’ll let you know but our focus is just on the matches.”