Everton manager Willie Kirk has revealed the “internal competition” driving his side forward following 100-per-cent starts to the season for the Blues’ men’s and women’s teams.
Kirk's squad will aim to extend their winning run to six matches when they begin their Continental Cup campaign at holders Manchester City on Wednesday night (7pm).
The Blues have won their opening three WSL games, as well as seeing off Chelsea and Birmingham City to secure a meeting with City in the FA Cup final on 1 November.
Over the course of their five matches so far this term, Everton have scored 16 goals and conceded just one.
The Toffees’ men’s side have also kicked off their campaign in blistering fashion, and Kirk described the vibrant atmosphere at the Club.
“It’s a fantastic place to be, everybody’s positive,” he said.
“Nobody wants to be the first Everton team to lose this season. It’s turning into a bit of an internal competition!
“We have a one-club mentality and I think people can really see that. Everybody is flying the flag and playing for that same badge.
“Everything about the Club is really positive but, for myself and I’m sure for Carlo [Ancelotti], we will not be taking our foot off the accelerator.”
Kirk revealed goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela will make her first start of the season when Everton travel to City's Academy Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Scot added he will rotate his squad after a busy fixture schedule but underlined the Blues’ ambition to go all the way in the Continental Cup.
“Every game is a priority,” he said.
“Anybody given their chance against City will be trying to take it and keep their place in the team. That mentality will push us forward in every game we play in.
“For us, the cup is another chance to win silverware.
“I’m desperate for this club to win a trophy because I think it can be the catalyst to have a really fantastic three, four or five years in front of us. That first piece of silverware can be really important.
“We want to bring silverware here and we’ll prioritise every competition.
“We might use the game as a way to get people some minutes, but if anyone looks at our starting XI, they’ll know we’re taking it seriously.”
Kirk believes the result of the game is unlikely to have any bearing when the teams face off at Wembley Stadium in the 2020 FA Cup final.
Everton’s focus, he insists, is on getting off to a strong start in the Continental Cup group stage.
The Blues have been drawn in a mouth-watering section, with Manchester United and city rivals Liverpool also in Group C.
“I don’t think it [Wednesday’s game] will influence the cup final,” Kirk said.
“If we win it, we could land a psychological blow.
“But we’re not looking too much into that. We want to win the game and put ourselves in a really strong position in the group.
“It’s an exciting group because it makes sure we do not drop our standards at all.
“It’s a group we’re really relishing.”
Kirk also provided an update on centre-back Gabby George, who revealed on Monday she was back training on the grass for the first time since rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in February.
“She is doing great and is working really hard,” Kirk added.
“She had her first pitch session yesterday, which is fantastic. We’re pushing her hard and she’s pushing herself hard.
“Up until now, touch wood, everything’s been going in the right direction.”
Kirk was speaking at his pre-match press conference, which he now holds before every Everton fixture.
The Blues are the first WSL team to hold such regular media briefings and Kirk paid tribute to the Club’s efforts in boosting Everton Women’s profile.
“It’s being driven from the top from Denise [Barrett-Baxendale] as Chief Executive Officer, making sure every department is supporting the women’s team,” he said.
“And it’s been working in both directions. The players are producing on the pitch, which generates interest.
“We’ve been playing lots of games and winning, too, which all helps build momentum.”
By Peter Lennox - Everton FC
