Schneiderlin: We're Ready For European TestMorgan Schneiderlin says Everton are raring to go for their Europa League third round qualifier against MFK Ružomberok after a productive pre-season schedule.
The Blues returned to training at USM Finch Farm on Monday as preparations intensify for Thursday evening’s first leg against the Slovakian outfit at Goodison (8.05pm kick-off).
Schneiderlin competed in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League with former club Manchester United - and has now outlined his ambition of tasting success in European competition with Everton.
“I played in Europe before so I know what to expect,” he told evertonfc.com. “We need to get qualified and hopefully we will. After that we don’t know the teams we will get but we could find ourselves playing in Russia on the Thursday and then back home on the Sunday. It will be very demanding so we will need everyone to be ready and on their toes.
“I was very happy with my first six months and now I want to build on that. In football and in life, if you just keep doing the same things as before you will never progress.
“That’s my aim - I want to have a good pre-season, feel feel sharp and then push on to have a great season with very good performances. That’s individual but also collectively to win things - that’s my ambition. Hopefully I will do that and show even more.”
Ronald Koeman’s side began preparations for the 2017/18 campaign with a two-day trip to Tanzania, including a 2-1 victory over SportPesa Super Cup winners, Gor Mahia.
That was quickly followed by a 3-0 win against FC Twente and 1-1 draw with Genk during a five-day training camp in Holland and Belgium.
Schneiderlin believes time away has been key in helping the Club’s senior summer signings - Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Michael Keane, Sandro Ramirez, Wayne Rooney and Cuco Martina - settle quickly, as well as proving useful for himself as he completes his first pre-season as an Everton player.
“The Tanzania trip was very short. Last week we had a longer trip, but especially this year we have a lot of new faces. Even for me, I’ve only been here six months. It’s this kind of situation which makes you talk with people and get to know them a little bit better.
“When you come to a new club, you always want to speak with your teammates and help them to adapt very well. You want them to feel 100 per cent on and off the pitch.”
The France international has also been impressed - but not surprised - by the calibre of the Toffees’ recent recruits.
“The ambition of the Club is one of the first reasons why I came here,” added Schneiderlin. “They want to bring in good players and win some trophies. That’s why I signed here.
“As you can see, they have kept their word by buying good players and making smart investments. Now we need to prove on the pitch that we will be able to play together, to find the best form and push for things.”