Marco Silva wants Everton to qualify for Europa League - even if it means starting the season early
Marco Silva insists Everton want to qualify for the Europa League, even if it were to mean starting next season as early as July.
Everton's hopes of qualifying for Europe took a hit on Saturday after they failed to break down a stubborn Crystal Palace side despite twice hitting the woodwork, meaning they lost ground in the race for seventh place.
Finishing seventh in the Premier League will earn a place in the early stages of the Europa League if Manchester City - who have already guaranteed a Champions League spot through their league position - beat Watford in next month's FA Cup final.
Such an early start to the season can sometimes be thought to have a negative effect on the domestic season as it means a shorter summer break for the players. In recent years both Burnley and West Ham's league form has suffered after summer participation in the Europa League's early stages.
However, Silva remains effusive in his belief that Everton should be aiming to play in Europe.
"I don't have the opinion that qualifying for Europe might be a disadvantage for the domestic season," Silva said.
"For a club like Everton, we always have to aim to play European competition. Always, always, always.
"I have started a season early before. It's not a problem if you prepare well. Of course it's tougher, but the goal to play in Europe is bigger than any problem it causes. Our goal this time and our goal next season will be to qualify for Europe."
For Crystal Palace, meanwhile, there may be little to play for given safety was secured a week before this game, but manager Roy Hodgson insists teams like his "have a moral obligation" to take their remaining matches seriously.
"You have to show respect for the league and for other teams," Hodgson said. "There is a moral obligation to keep playing and do your job."
Palace failed to produce a single shot on target here, but Hodgson says his team will be trying to win their final two matches.
"The aim is to win every game you play, to finish as high up the table as you can. That is what the Premier League is like now, the days of players downing tools because the season is over a long gone.
"We've still got two matches to go and six points available and I will be doing everything to persuade my players to win those six points."
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