Iwobi admits tough pre-season

Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi is relishing a fresh start at Everton following the club’s pre-season camp in the Lake Geneva area, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Toffees’ manager, Sean Dyche, has intensified the team’s preparations with five days of training sessions and a friendly fixture against Stade Nyonnais, which Everton won 2-1.

The victory was secured by second-half goals from Katia Kouyate and Neal Maupay, with Iwobi playing a pivotal role in both strikes.

Iwobi provided a superb assist for 19-year-old Kouyate and later set up Francis Okoronkwo, who won a penalty allowing Maupay to find the back of the net. Reflecting on the week, Iwobi emphasised the value of the training and the positive team dynamics that have emerged.

“It’s been tough… of course, it was my first week back. It’s been hard, it’s been hot, it’s been humid, but those conditions will help us for the season,” Iwobi told evertonfc.com.

He expressed his delight in reuniting with his teammates, praising the team’s chemistry and high spirit, emphasizing the collective ambition to improve upon last season’s performance.

“Obviously, as a team we don’t want to be where we were last year. We want to improve and with the players we have, with the quality we have, we should be able to do that,” he said.

Iwobi acknowledged that the upcoming season represented a clean slate and a fresh start for Everton.

During the 2022/23 campaign, Iwobi played in all 41 of Everton’s competitive matches, contributing to 11 goals (nine assists and two goals). He also earned three caps for Nigeria, bringing his overall national appearances to 63.

Despite a demanding season, the 27-year-old midfielder stated that he maintained good fitness levels during the summer break. Reflecting on the friendly match against Stade Nyonnais, Iwobi expressed satisfaction with his performance and the team’s overall progress in building fitness for the upcoming season.

“There’s still a long way to go. Everyone is looking very fit and sharp, even the youngsters that have been out here with us. Hopefully, it’s a promising season ahead,” Iwobi said. (Punch)