When Nikola Vlasic signed from Hajduk Split under Ronald Koeman, he knew he probably wouldn’t be playing straight away, but never did he think he’d end up on loan at CSKA Moscow in a better situation than what he had at Goodison Park.
Ahead of their matchup against AS Roma in the Champions League, the Croatia international gave an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport, where he revealed many things, including his desire to play in La Liga.
Explaining he wasn’t given enough chances at Everton, especially after the Dutch manager was shown the door, Vlasic doesn’t particularly seem fussed about returning to the Premier League side next season, as their style of football doesn’t suit him.
He said: “In the Premier League, only the top five or six teams, managed by foreigners like Klopp or Guardiola, play great football. The others think only about defending, focusing on the physical aspect. That’s not how I want to play.”
In fact, it seems that it’s Maurizio Sarri that has impressed him the most, as when asked who is the favourite for the Champions League, he named the Blues.
He explained himself: “I would say… Chelsea, but they’re not in it! They play beautiful football with Sarri. What he did at Napoli, he’s building it in London. It’s amazing. In three months he’s changed Chelsea’s style, and Eden Hazard is the one who’s benefitted the most, not just with his goals.
“After the defensive minded Conte and Mourinho, Hazard has found his brilliance again. Champions League? I’d say Liverpool, last year’s final and now stronger, then City, Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid.”
Just what you want to hear from an Everton player, right?
