Everton’s manager, Carlo Ancellotti is clearly not impressed At Alex Iwobi’s subtle dig after the Nigerian international posted a cryptic message on his Instagram handle after he was called for the international games earlier this week.
Iwobi was called up by Nigeria earlier this week for their forthcoming internationals and, to mark the news, he took to Instagram and uploaded the message: ‘Always an honor to get called up for my national team, hopefully, I get to play in my preferred position.’
Ancelotti, who has used Iwobi as a wing-back and in midfield, saw the post but was left bemused by its nature as the 24-year-old has never approached him about having any discontent over the way he is being used.
“I didn’t speak to him but I read the post he did,’ said Ancelotti. ‘I want to speak, of course. I want to know his preferred position! Usually, I want to put a player on the pitch where they are comfortable to play, not where they are uncomfortable,” Ancelotti explained.
“If he has an idea of where he prefers to play I have to know – I want to know! I am delighted to know his preferred position and I’ll put him in his preferred position for sure, no doubt. I have to tell him: “Tell me! I am your manager, tell me where you want to play!”
“When I thought to put (Andrea) Pirlo as a holding midfielder I asked him “Do you like to play there or not?” “Yes,” he said to me. “I’d love to play there!” So I put him there. If he (Iwobi) wants to play number 10 or number nine I’ll put him there, no problem. I can adapt the system.”
