Alex Iwobi has opened up on how Carlo Ancelotti post-Newcastle message to his Everton players affected the squad in their following game. The manager was openly critical of his side after their 2-0 defeat to the Magpies at the end of last month, saying that they were “lazy” and that they lacked spirit at Goodison Park. However, since that match, the Blues have secured two important results on their travels – beating Leeds United at Elland Road and securing a dramatic draw with Manchester United after a brilliant comeback. And Iwobi has revealed that the message from their manager was playing in the minds of the squad against Leeds, and led to a big reaction.
Alex Iwobi said: “The way we’re trying to compete, to get top four or a Europa League spot, winning games against Leeds is what we needed. People even broke their personal bests for the amount of distance they covered. Everyone was running, sacrificing and doing their best for the team. That little message he gave us after Newcastle definitely worked. At the end of the day, we only have ourselves to blame, maybe we did take our foot off the gas. But every game I think from now on we’ll have to give 100% if we want to get to where we want to get to.”
Ancelotti has led Everton to a push for European places this season and into the fifth round of the FA Cup, a tie that sees them face Spurs at Goodison on Wednesday. The manager has brought confidence to the squad, and to the individuals within it too. Iwobi explained how the boss lets him express himself whenever he is in possession and described the feeling among his teammates for Ancelotti.
Alex Iwobi added: “First of all he’s brought that hope, because he’s worked at big clubs and achieved a lot. We do trust him with the methods he’s brought, every player trusts him and gives 100%. He’s brought a lot of confidence, signed quality players and even improved us when we’re training. We do feel better and very confident that we can compete against any team. I’d like to say we believe a lot because of him. He hasn’t really changed me, he’s just given me the confidence to express myself a lot more when I’m attacking. Whenever I do get the ball he’s saying, ‘Go one v one, do your stuff’, so the more I play the more he’s always giving me that belief to go and express myself. For me, I’m always playing well when I’m comfortable and they’ve made it really comfortable for me now. That’s why I say I owe it to Everton, I’m enjoying my time and enjoying my football.”
