Bernard is still easing into his new life at Everton, having signed for the club in the summer.
During his time at Shakhtar Donetsk, the Brazilian was linked with a string of clubs, most notably and repeatedly Chelsea. Moves were continually blocked by the Ukraine side and in the end they lost out on any transfer fee as Bernard moved on a free.
It took the 26 year old a while to decide on his new destination and Everton certainly weren’t the only club keen on a deal.
Speaking to Record, Bernard has told the Portuguese newspaper there were offers from other Premier League clubs, and he’s also confirmed an approach from Benfica.
He turned them all down for Everton, and Record asked if Marco Silva was key in the process.
The attacker has made it clear that was very much the case: “He was crucial for me to sign for Everton, for everything we talked about and the information he gave me. I felt wanted and I knew that the club was going to bet on me. For a player at a decision time, this is important.
“I made it very clear how I work and Marco Silva has confidence, something I needed. After five months with a shoulder injury, I got into the Premier League without preseason and told him I needed time to be 100%. The coach gave me this tranquility. Now I’m better on the pitch, happier, things are coming together and I already feel the English football.”
There have been some questions around Silva’s future, but Bernard insisted the squad are behind him and believe in their manager: “We had a winning streak at home, but after the Liverpool game we started with ups and downs. It’s complicated because there are no easy games in the Premier League and you have to give 100% in all, regardless of the time between games. Football does not accept error. Marco Silva has done a good job and I hope he puts us on the right track and that Everton can rise in the standings.”
Asked if the team have confidence that Silva can improve things, he said: “Yes, and our work shows that every day. The squad is dedicated and seeks to understand each tactic, because each game requires a tactic. The concentration and the delivery of the players shows that we are next to Marco Silva.”
On what makes the Portuguese coach stand out, Bernard explained: “As I said, each game requires a strategy and it, in every game, he presents us with the smallest details, whether it be set pieces, or how to surprise the other team offensively, for example. He is a coach who talks a lot with the players and who, if necessary, explains things five or six times if the player is not aware. He has great leadership and a lot of respect from the squad.”
