Marco Silva does not believe a possible early entrance to the Europa League would have a detrimental effect on Everton.
The Blues have been in good form over recent weeks, securing their third consecutive win with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park, and have placed themselves firmly back in the hunt for seventh place.
If Everton were to achieve that, and Man City were to win the FA Cup final against Watford, then Silva's side would be placed into the second qualifying round for next season's Europa League.
Supporters have debated for weeks over whether that would be a good thing for the club or not - with some citing Ronald Koeman's horrendous European campaign in 2017/18 as proof of how badly it can affect a side.
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The current Blues manager does not agree.
Silva was told in his press conference about Kurt Zouma believing something big could be achieved at Everton - and the manager set his sights firmly on European football.
He said: "First it's good to have this feedback from our players, because they are the first ones to see and feel what we are doing every day, together.
"Something big here, you know the history of our club, and since the first day I joined I told you it would be difficult - because we have to do the right things, step by step.
"Our club should participate in European football every year, and playing in European competitions should be our target. It's not easy, many clubs want the same but it has to be a goal for us.
"For us to achieve that we have to keep doing the right things and keep growing as a squad. At the end, it's our desire and the desire of the fans also."
After being asked whether Europa League football could have a detrimental effect on his side, Silva had a definitive response.
The manager added: "First we have to keep fighting to achieve the best position in the table we can. This is the most important thing for us.
"Since the first day we said our goal was to improve what we did the season before and we are fighting to achieve that. We'll see what position we are at the end of the season and what this position can give us.
Catch up on every word of Marco Silva's press conference HERE
"About the development of the squad and if it is too early, I don't think in this way. You grow as a football team if you play the best teams and in the best competitions.
"Just in this way and playing these type of games, we can grow faster as a squad."
