Marco Silva insisted his side took plenty from their final pre-season test against La Liga side Valencia.
The visitors edged an entertaining contest 3-2 courtesy of Rodrigo Moreno’s brace and Daniel Wass’ winner in the second half. Blues duo Cenk Tosun and Michael Keane netted first-half equalisers for the hosts.
With the Premier League season kicking off at Wolves in seven days' time, this presented Everton boss Silva with the final opportunity to give minutes to his squad.
Theo Walcott, who set up Tosun for his goal, got 60 minutes in what was his first game of pre-season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin enjoyed a second-half cameo as he returned from injury.
Silva acknowledged his players are still getting to grips with what he wants from them but was satisfied with the run-out at Goodison Park.
“Valencia are a strong side with a lot of quality when they have possession and defensive organisation as well,” he told evertontv. “It was a tough test for us.
“I took some positives. We were better in the first half, our organisation was better and we improved in some moments. Of course, when they broke into our box for the first time they scored and it was not easy for us after the last result.
“But we reacted well and we kept our game open with the ball. We need to improve, of course, in our defensive organisation in some moments because it looked at times that it was too easy for them to score. But we are working on that and for sure we will improve.
“The players are working really hard and they are trying to do everything to understand the different philosophy and ideas. They are working and of course we are doing our work as well behind the scenes to improve the squad.”
Prior to kick-off at the Grand Old Lady, Silva was formally presented to the Evertonians assembled inside Goodison Park.
The Blues boss took the time after the game to thank the fans for their warm reception and reiterated his desire to bring success to the Club.
“It was a pleasure for me to feel this welcome from the fans – and for my staff as well,” he added.
“I am here to work really hard to improve the Club. I want to work for our fans be proud.”
