Seamus Coleman says Everton’s confidence is soaring after an impressive series of results and insists European qualification is firmly in the Blues’ sights.
Everton followed up a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory at Watford with a 3-1 success over Crystal Palace at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The result means the Blues have taken 17 points from eight Premier League matches since Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment in December.
The Toffees sit seventh in the table - a position that could potentially secure a place in next season’s Europa League - and are just three points behind Sheffield United in fifth.
Club captain Coleman declared how competing consistently in European competition is a key objective for Everton.
And he believes the positive energy generated by recent results can help the Blues sustain their fine form and continue to climb the table.
“The mood around the training ground is great,” he told evertontv. “If confidence is high and you’re getting good results, the mood is always good.
“The game against Watford – coming back from 2-0 down like that – had a positive impact.
“We’re trying to catch those European places.
“A few months ago, we probably didn’t think that was possible. But we’re playing well now and just looking forward to every game.
“We’ve got to push for Europe. I think this club needs European football and we all want that.
“Especially here at Goodison, playing under the lights, it’s exciting. It’s something different. It’s what we want for the Football Club.
“Where this football club wants to get in the next three, four, five years, it has to be wanting European football every year and if we can get it this year, that’s a bonus."
Coleman made his 309th Everton appearance in the win against Palace, a total exceeded by only 30 players in the Club’s history.
The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland skipper stressed his belief Everton has a bright future under “world-class manager” Ancelotti.
He says every player in the squad is striving to prove their quality to the Italian as he aims to shape an Everton team capable of competing for silverware.
“Every player out there needs to want to be part of the Club going forward,” Coleman added.
“It’s an exciting time for the fans and for the players and, when you’ve got a manager of that calibre, you can’t not be excited.
“When you play for this football club, 100 per cent is the minimum you should be giving.
“When we all come together here at Goodison, the fans and everything, it’s a tough place to come for everyone.
“And since the manager has come in, it has been mostly positive results.”
