A refreshed Victor Anichebe is keen to put himself at the forefront of new manager Roberto Martinez’s plans.
I didn't have a pic of Vic, so I've photoshopped his head onto my body to make do for nowAnd the striker believes he won’t be the only Everton player eager to catch the Spaniard’s eye in the lead up to the new Premier League campaign.
Anichebe expects the change in management at the Club to act as additional motivation for the players previously on the periphery of the squad.
Consequently, the Nigerian international is envisaging an intense pre-season as players try their hardest to ensure they are in the starting line-up for the opening day trip to Carrow Road.
“When I heard that he [Martinez] became my manager I was happy,” Anichebe told evertontv shortly after reporting back to Finch Farm on Thursday morning.
“I was sad to see David Moyes go because I have been with him for so long and he is the one that brought me through, but we have brought in a great young manager who plays great football.
“It’s going to be a really exciting time for us and we are going to be playing completely differently. It’s going to bring a new breath of fresh air to everyone.
“Everyone has got a great chance and has to compete. There are no guaranteed starters because it is a completely different manager. It’s going to be an interesting season.
“I think everyone will be trying a bit extra but I think we should try and use pre-season for what it is. We have to come in, work hard, get fit and get ready for the season gradually."
Anichebe is so keen to ensure he is part of the team at Norwich on the opening day that he spent a large part of his summer break preparing himself for the rigours of pre-season.
With the help of a personal trainer, the 25-year-old has put in the extra effort to keep himself in peak condition.
He said: “It’s been a good summer. I went to my best friend, James Vaughan’s wedding; I was the best man there. Then I went to Nigeria to see family, so I completely chilled over that part.
“But then, with the way football is changing, I felt it important to get a good base before starting pre-season.
“In the past I would have done nothing and then used pre-season for what it is. But you need to keep yourself ticking over a little bit because you can’t go from doing nothing to doing hard sessions.
“I had a trainer when I was in America to try and keep as fit as possible and manage my body. Last year I played more games than ever so it was important this year to give myself a good base before I came back.
“Hopefully this year again I can stay injury free and carry on the good form I showed towards the end of last season.”
