KEANE FIRES UP JAG
PHIL JAGIELKA has warned Michael Keane that he won’t give up his place in Ronald Koeman’s new-look Everton side without a fight.
The England star has welcomed the arrival of his new £25million teammate as the Toffees boss has embarked on a major spending spree.
The veteran defender, 34, said he is up for the challenge presented by the new recruit from Burnley.
Jagielka (above) said: “I’m good to go – I’m all ready. My aim is to put a marker down. Be in and around the team. We will need a bigger squad because of European football.
“I was certain the manager would sign at least one centre-back. Competition for places in football is nothing new. If I get the chance to start the first few games, great. If not, I’ll just knuckle down.”
Jagielka did not enjoy the best of campaigns under Koeman last term and spent a significant length of time on the sidelines through injury.
And he said that this year, with a summer behind him, will give a truer flavour of the Dutchman’s capabilities in the Premier League.
Jagielka said: “I got the feeling, when we broke up, that there would be a much-changed dressing-room. I suspected there would be an upturn and a few new faces.
“The gaffer has changed it around. We had a slow start, but the manager, his staff and the players pulled it around. It was difficult under Roberto (Martinez). We had some great cup runs. The club has been desperate for silverware for such a long time, but we couldn’t convert it.
“So, under the circumstances – not having his own players in – it was reasonably successful. Not amazing, by any stretch. But I’m sure the boss is desperate to get back into pre-season and put his stamp on things. He himself played in a different era of football.
“He gets his point across very simply and wants us to get together as a unit. Although that didn’t happen in a lot of games, generally we were spot on.”
Jagielka has not slammed the door on travelling with England to next year’s World Cup, but believes, at the age of 35, there is an outside chance of him going.
But he says that the cash spent by the likes of his own club means the push for the Champions League places has intensified.
He added: “Spurs have taken a while to do it, but no one is guaranteed to finish in that top four. The money that can be spent in that league – not only by those at the top – it’s getting harder and harder.
“Not just for Everton. For everyone. You wouldn’t have predicted Arsenal would finish outside the top four last season, would you?”