Silva challenges Everton team to react to adversity

Everton take on Millwall in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup knowing fully well that their indifferent form accompanied by a raucous home crowd for a late and rainy game on Saturday night will make for some trying conditions.

The Blues’ away form has been nothing to write home about with just two wins, and they have only picked up two points in the ten games they have conceded first. Manager Marco Silva acknowledges his side needs to show more resolve especially when they go behind.

“I know these numbers and this reality shows us that, until now, we didn’t react when something went wrong against us in a match.

“It is something we are working on and I am speaking to our players about as well. If something happens we still have 30, 40, 60 minutes and the conditions to continue what we are doing.

“It is clear it is one of the things we have to improve because, if something goes wrong for us in one minute of that match, that shouldn’t mean everything was wrong until then. The facts are clear. We have to improve in these situations.”

When questioned if there was a lack of character and leadership in his side, Silva appeared to bristle at the suggestion.

“I am 100% sure of the character of our players. If I don’t believe in the character of our players I am in the wrong position. As a squad we have to improve but I don’t have doubts about their character because every day I see how hard they work.

“They are strong and are really upset and angry when we didn’t achieve the results we wanted. All they want to is to perform well and give our fans what they deserve.”

Needless to say, if the Blues can come out with a positive performance and result, it’ll go a long way in providing some confidence to Silva’s struggling side.