An exclusive in-depth interview with Yerry Mina features in Everton’s matchday programme for Saturday’s meeting with Chelsea.

Mina says Everton must unite and muster a strong collective effort to spark an improvement in performances and results.

Centre-back Mina admits he is relived to be back on the pitch and featuring consistently in Everton’s team after an injury-disrupted debut Goodison Park campaign.

The Colombian, though, accepts his side has fallen short of the performance levels expected this term.

Everton will be targeting a fifth Premier League win of 2019/20 when Chelsea come to Goodison Park this weekend.

The Blues, who will be led by caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, have lost their past three games.

“When things aren’t going well, we need to stick together and find strength from somewhere,” said Mina.

“If we are united, we can get results,

“In no time we can be fighting for big things and out of the situation we are in.

“It was hard when I was not playing because your belief can go down, you can feel demotivated.

>>READ THE FULL YERRY MINA EXCLUSIVE IN EVERTON’S LATEST BUMPER MATCHDAY PROGRAMME<<

“But you need to be strong and help those who are playing, act as if you are involved on the pitch, because we need to be united and pulling in the same direction.

“I am always trying to be positive and thinking, ‘How can I help the team?’

“I have gained a greater understanding of how the game is played here. To show your best in any league, you need to know what its football demands from you.”

Mina has played all but one of Everton’s Premier League fixtures this season and added two Carabao Cup appearances.

He moved to the Club from Barcelona in summer 2018 following a stellar World Cup with his national team.

A persistent foot problem delayed the 25-year-old’s debut and he was subsequently laid low by a hamstring complaint.

Mina consequently finished 2018/19 with 13 starts and two more outings from the bench.

Back to full health, Mina has quickly become an integral cog in Everton’s side following a personally sound summer Copa America tournament and is viewed in some quarters as a potential captain.

“I just try to be myself, my own person,” said Mina, whose Colombia side didn’t concede one goal in their South American championship quarter-final campaign.

“When I am happy, I have my happy moments.

“But when I cross the white line, I try to transform myself.

“When it comes to being in those moments, I am a different person.

“Really in the situation.

“I try to keep my composure and speak to my teammates, to comfort and encourage them.

“We should be like a family, a unit.

“I am really committed. I always try to be punctual, to win every game in training.

“If we are able to do these good things, to show this attitude, then results will come our way.

“That would be our reward for putting in so much work.”

Mina was a domestic title winner with Independiente Santa Fe in his homeland and had similar success in Brazil with Palmeiras.

He had only eight months with Barcelona before switching to Everton after helping Colombia reach the second round of last year’s World Cup.

“I am thankful for the support of everyone at Everton and I want to repay that faith,” added Mina.

“I thank God for this opportunity to be at this great club.

“It feels good to be playing again and if we stay together, we can get results.”

The Everton matchday programme, priced at £3.50, will be on sale around Goodison Park and at various city centre outlets.

It will also be available from the Everton One and Everton Two megastores. Click here to order online.