Eliaquim Mangala revealed the difficult challenge he believes his new side Everton face in order to ensure a good end to the season.
The 26-year-old defender shared his thoughts on his new side after making his debut in their 5-1 defeat to the Gunners, stating that the Toffees will have a good second half to the season if they finish above Burnley and Leicester City.
“The challenge is going to be difficult but I think we can finish in front of Leicester and Burnley and that will be a good end to the season,” said Mangala, as quoted by the Daily Mirror.
“I just want to help my team to get better and have some good results, it’s not just about me,it’s about the whole team.
“That’s the only thing I’m focused on, then we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”
Mangala agreed to joined the Toffees on loan from Manchester City until the end of the season on transfer deadline day.
Everton are currently four points behind Leicester City and five points by Burnley who currently sit seventh.
OPINION
Mangala certainly is confident to be aiming to finish seventh with Everton come the end of the season. The 26-year-old didn’t look capable of helping his side climb the table based on his debut performance, as the defender was clumsy in possession. Mangala was arguably at fault for three of the goals the Toffees conceded in their heavy 5-1 defeat. However, ahead of him joining the club, the Toffees defeated Leicester City 2-1 in their recent meeting, so it wouldn’t be inconceivable for Everton to finish above them this season. Mangala’s other aim to overtake Burnely seems impossible for the Toffees to achieve given their current form and that Burnley show no signs that their form is about to change for the worse.