Bernard explains why he’s not an Everton starter yet

Of the three deadline day signings Everton made, Bernard is the only player we’ve seen on the pitch so far. The Brazilian attacking midfielder looked very lively in the fifty-odd minutes he played against West Ham United two weekends ago, and reprised that performance as a late substitute against Arsenal on Sunday.

Blues have been clamoring to see him starting, and the player explained why he’s not quite there yet.

“Everton gives me the opportunity and the structure to be able to come back [to my best level]. I’ve had five months without pre-season, but I’ve had a month here now and, slowly, I am getting the rhythm of the game and playing matches. I’m sure it’s going to get much better.

“To be here and to play in the Premier League, it is important for every player and I think it is important for my career.

“And it is easy to adapt when you have an atmosphere like we have at Everton. There are moments to have fun and moments to be serious, but it’s been a nice atmosphere.”

He maintains that the players need to do better to execute Marco Silva’s vision for how the Toffees should play.

“With the manager, it is very clear the way he asks for his ideas to be implemented.

“Every player should be able to listen to the manager’s tactics. Each coach has a different approach, different methods, but as players we need to be able to input what the coach asks for, so individually everyone gets better.”

Everton created a multitude of chances against the Gunners, but were unable to put the ball in the net and maintained their awful Emirates record as a result of that.

“It is always hard. We know from history it is always hard to come here. We had a very good first half and in the second half they came out and pressured, got the two goals and it was unlucky for us.”

Bernard also reserved some praise for his Brazilian teammate Richarlison.

“Richarlison is a great player. He is tactically very good and he is a good finisher. When inside the box, he is deadly.

“I have no doubt he will be able to help our squad this season and the Brazilian national team, too.”