'I want to bring back the good times', says Silva

In an exclusive interview with Ian Ladyman of 'Sportsmail', Marco Silva discussed comparisons with Jose Mourinho, the slow start that he has endured to life at Goodison Park, and his vision for the future of Everton football club.

According to many in Portugal, the emergence of Marco Silva was one of promise; some even considered him to be the next Jose Mourinho, albeit not in his team's playing style but in terms of pure passion and talent for the game. 

Silva has enjoyed fruitful spells in his native Portugal, winning the cup with Sporting, and then setting a record breaking 17 game winning streak on the way to a Greek title with Olympiakos, but he has not as much set the Premier League a light. 

At Everton, they believe that although the season has not begun with the best results or playing style, Silva is just experiencing a bedding in period and he will soon blossom like he did with Hull City and Watford in previous years. 

The hierarchy are willing to give Silva time to settle; they believe he is the long term candidate to fulfill their ambitions, his strategy and energy more than enough to drive his team to silverware in the coming years. 

Silva insists that he is ready to take on the pressure that comes with managing the Merseyside club, stating: "When I spoke to the owner we both agreed that we have a long project here and we have to do it step by step. We have to build a club to be competitive in the long-term. I want to achieve important things here and win, of course. I have only one way to work and that is 100 per cent focus and commitment. That is what drives me and please understand that I was like that at my other clubs too."

The Portuguese continued: "'I understand the point you make, of course. These last years I have not stayed more than one year at a club. But when I started as a manager (at Estoril) I was there for three years and we did amazing things. It was a project. That is what I want to do here."

After a few years bouncing between managers, this clear aim for stability and progression will be music to the ears of the 'Toffees' faithful, who have had their hopes dashed with the short lived reigns of predecessors Martinez, Koeman and most recently Sam Allardyce.

However in order to progress and return to their former glories, Silva believes that the culture of the club is in need of a major shift, Everton need to hold onto their best players for a start. 

On the matter, Silva emphasised: " 'In the last years, players here did well and then were sold to Manchester United and City. That can't happen any more. If we keep them we will get stronger. That's what other clubs are doing and look at them now. The money is important, of course, but it's not just that. Yes, we must pay the salaries that some of the other clubs can pay. Players must feel valued here."

He elaborated: "But when the club sold Romelu Lukaku to United it was not about money. I was not here but I know about this. It's about having the right conditions here, creating something that helps us achieve. If we don't, big clubs will take our best players again."

Silva finished by speaking words of encouragement; he is well aware that unless he produces tangible results, the 'long term' ambitions he has for the club will not last very long.

The Portuguese said: "I have an ambition to win and you always must use it to drive you. When you are at a club like this and understand the history you have to be ready to give them what they expect. The supporters are hungry and it's a good pressure. They want it tomorrow but they must be patient."

He concluded:"I know a manager doesn't ever have time to look long-term. You have to support everything with results. But if we keep doing what we do behind the scenes — giving the players something new every day and developing the squad — we'll achieve what I want. "

Everton's next match is a Premier League fixture at home to Brighton on Saturday.