Silva: We all must speak English

Marco Silva, the Everton manager, has insisted on his overseas players communicating in English.

Silva wants the language used at all times, but admits even he needs work to improve his skills. New signings Richarlison, Bernard and Yerry Mina are among those under orders to take lessons.

“Of course, and that applies to me as well because I am still improving my English,” said Silva. “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.

“Richarlison’s settled in well. He has to learn as much English as he can. He is doing it, but he needs to improve. 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.”

With so many additions, Silva says it will take time for the squad to gel, adding: “It is important we get together as a group and not only for one lunch or one dinner.”

Mina is still unavailable, but Kurt Zouma could deputise for Phil Jagielka, who is suspended for Silva’s first official home game against Southampton today. Bernard is also available, although not match fit.

Silva said Ademola Lookman was left out last weekend for “technical reasons” and he repeated his demand for the youngster to commit fully to being an Everton player.

“Lookman knows very well why he wasn’t in the squad last week,” said Silva.

“It was a technical decision and he knows very well why. But I can tell you he has trained very well this week and responded how I wanted him to.”