Mind your language

EVERTON STARS MUST SPEAK ENGLISH, SAYS SILVA

MARCO SILVA is ready to lay down a law where English is the language of Everton’s dressing room as he vowed to improve his levels of communication. The Everton manager has spent the last 18 months working in the Premier League and now has a good command of English but during coaching meetings at Finch Farm, he reverts to Portuguese to speak with assistant Joao Pedro Sousa and fitness coach Pedro Conceicao. There has been a significant change in the dressing room, too. It was not a conscious decision to recruit non-British players but there is a large Latin influence, headed by Brazilians Bernard and Richarlison — who sparkled when scoring two at Wolves last week — and Colombian defender Yerry Mina. Silva is aware of how issues could develop if certain groups only wanted to stay in the company of those who talk their native language. As a result, he has made it clear that he wants all nonEnglish speakers to sign up for lessons. Asked about using English in the dressing room, Silva replied: ‘Of course, and that applies to me as well because I am still improving my English. I am still learning it all the time. ‘It’s the same for everyone here. We talk about Richarlison but it is something I have already told Bernard and Mina to do. They have to learn English as well. Richarlison has to learn as much English as he can and we are pushing him on that because it is important for him and for us. ‘He is doing it but he needs to improve his English. In terms of settling, he is a fantastic professional and a good boy. ‘Everybody likes him and he is enjoying the environment here as well. He performed very well last week but we have to be calm with him. He is a young boy with a big talent but we cannot put all the headlights on Richarlison.’ Big changes have been made to the squad since Silva arrived on June 1, with six players arriving and eight leaving. There could be more departures before the window closes for Championship loans and European clubs with Muhamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie available. Such an influx means a change in the camaraderie, but Silva intends to plan an off-field event to help the group gel. ‘It is something we will do for sure, maybe next week because we have time next week,’ said Silva, whose side host Southampton today. ‘It is important we get together as a group and not only for one lunch or one dinner.’