Everton Player Breaks Silence On David Moyes’ Pre-Season Plan: What Should He Change Going Forward?

Everton Player Breaks Silence On David Moyes’ Pre-Season Plan: What Should He Change Going Forward? Everton face an odd contrast this week. Vitalii Mykolenko says David Moyes pushed the squad through a punishing four-week camp in Germany, far harder than last year’s trip to the United States. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Setanta Sports, the Ukraine international explained that the work felt severe but serves a clear purpose: Everton need that conditioning to survive the final months of a long Premier League season. His comments arrive after a chaotic deadline day, when a reported £40m move for Folarin Balogun collapsed and left Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players. Despite that frustration, Mykolenko considers this the strongest and most balanced squad he has known since arriving. He believes the side can recover from last season’s disappointing finish. “They were tough,” Mykolenko said when asked about the ‘training camps’. “I wouldn’t say they were the hardest of my life, perhaps, but certainly not easy. Compared to the two pre-season camps – last year’s and this year’s -this one was much harder. “That’s likely because last year we were in Scotland, then had a week of training here in Liverpool, and then flew to America to play matches. “This season, we spent more time in Germany, I think, and focused more on physical conditioning. When you put in four solid weeks of physical work, it’s tough, but as an experienced footballer, I understand that it will really help by the end of the season.” (Via Sport Witness ) Everton must turn physical work into tactical flexibility That optimism makes sense, but Moyes has a tactical problem. His basic 4-2-3-1 keeps the defensive block tight, often leaving 8-10 metres between lines, closing the central channel. Everton then seek quick vertical attacks, with diagonal passes finding wide men or Thierno Barry. The approach suits Moyes, yet it can become predictable when opponents shut the second-ball routes. Everton risk overworking Mykolenko LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton warms up before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Crystal Palace FC at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) The left side matters. Mykolenko often carries the defensive burden in repeated wide duels, while Everton lack a natural deputy who can give him regular relief. That makes a switch into a 3-5-2 during matches worth pursuing. Jarrad Branthwaite can operate as the left-sided centre-back, protecting the channel while a wing-back holds a higher starting position. Moyes briefly tested that structure against Leeds United, and it gives Everton a way to change the picture without abandoning their defensive instincts. Everton need more imagination inside There is another issue. Dibling and Jack Grealish can offer more than width, yet keeping them in strict lateral positions risks leaving Barry isolated against two centre-backs. Everton need those players drifting into inside half-spaces, where they can receive between midfield and defence and connect attacks with the striker and double pivot. That change could make the direct game less predictable. Mykolenko’s comments underline why the German workload matters, but they cannot hide the squad’s thin margins. With injuries or suspensions, Everton could quickly lose the intensity that makes Moyes’ structure effective, particularly on the left. The physical base looks strong; the bigger question is whether Moyes can use it with enough variation to keep Everton competitive over a gruelling season.