Mykolenko: Everton ‘Dream’ Still Alive & Preview For Palace Trip

Q: Vitalii, there are three games to go until the end of the season. What are your expectations? Are you still aiming for, potentially, European football for next season?

VM: Yes, I remember [James Tarkowski] said before the Man City game, ‘Let’s enjoy this race.’

We’re still in it and we can get nine points if we win three games, which is ideal for us. If we do that, we can easily get into Europe.

This is our target, our small dream. Hopefully, we will get that.

Q: It’s Crystal Palace up next on Sunday. They played in Europe on Thursday, beating Shakhtar Donetsk in the Conference League semi-final. Have you looked at that game?

VM: Yes, they’re a Ukrainian team. I have a few friends playing for them and of course, I watched that game.

I think it’s two different football styles – Shakhtar and Crystal Palace. Palace won 2-1 and I think they deserved to win.

Q: Will you speak to your friends for extra insight, or will you rely on what you’ve seen yourself and what you get from the staff here?

VM: We’ve had enough information from our coaching staff, so I don’t think I need more information from my friends.

We play them every year. The last game against them – at home – we beat them 2-1 in the last minute. Jack scored, but it was a tough game for me.

I didn’t play my best game, but it was hard because they played with five defenders. It wasn’t easy.

Q: It was a crazy game against Manchester City last time out. Have you recovered? How do you look back on it?

VM: Yes, it was a crazy, crazy game. So many of my friends texted me to say it was an amazing game to watch.

But for us, we conceded three goals – two in the end. It’s three games in a row we’ve conceded late goals, so it’s not very good for me as a defender.

Q: A quick lookback on the season – the first at Hill Dickinson Stadium – how do you think it’s gone?

VM: I think we’re playing better football, more interesting football for the fans. It’s important the fans enjoy watching our games.

Hopefully, we’ll keep improving for next season.