Source: Liverpool_Echo
Royal Blue: Answer to mystery of Everton FC’s slow start could be a failure to think short-term
DAVID MOYES would need a masters degree in behavioural psychology to completely understand why his players have not hit the ground running this season.[LNB]Not just him either. Most of the first team squad - a bunch of honest, hard-working, focused, professionals - share his bemusement.[LNB]Because avoiding this precise malaise was the over-riding focus of a freshened-up and successful pre-season.[LNB]Moyes, renowned for his meticulous approach, was so determined to avoid a slow start he tore up the usual summer plan.[LNB] Eschewing the favoured option of visiting a major US city and playing their local MLS side before a mini-tournament, in favour of a long-haul trip to Australia far earlier in the schedule than usual, was the first change.[LNB]The emphasis Down Under was on building up a cutting edge in fitness, while playing some fairly competitive games. On that basis it was a success.[LNB]The promotion of the Everton brand was another important factor for club officials, but make no mistake Moyes was thinking only of beating Blackburn on the opening day.[LNB]The Blues returned to step up their preparations with some more demanding friendlies, culminating with Steve McLaren's Wolfsburg.[LNB]So what could they have done differently? It wasn't working with the old way, and something had to change. Moyes emphasised the importance of a quick start by reminding journalists at Finch Farm that the last time the Blues managed one, they finished fourth.[LNB]In many ways, the manager got what he wanted this summer (barring £30m for a striker which is so unlikely in the short-term it is almost a redundant issue).[LNB]Almost all his key players were fit and ready, and he managed to tie up a key band of personnel on new, lucrative deals to deny circling sharks and ensure they could concentrate on a significant season for their current employers.
