Rafa Benitez has held talks with Everton captain Seamus Coleman as he prepares to meet the squad for the first time.
The new Blues boss takes his first sessions this week as the squad return for pre-season training on Monday morning.
And ahead of the players' return, Benitez has made a point of phoning 'several' members of the squad, including club captain Coleman, since his appointment was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
Jordan Pickford has already talked about the conversation he had with the new Everton manager and discussions with Coleman were described as 'positive' as Benitez introduces himself to the squad before training commences.
The 61-year-old will not have a full squad to work with this week at Finch Farm as a number of players remain on international duty.
But senior members of the squad, including Coleman and Michael Keane, are expected back at the club's Halewood base on Monday.
Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey are also expected to return but Benitez will have to wait to work with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Pickford, Richarlison and others.
Everton's players are due at Finch Farm on Sunday to undergo a Covid test ahead of their return to training.
The Blues' under-23s squad are also set to return for pre-season training on Monday.
