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Nikola Vlasic blasts 'awful' football played by former Everton manager Sam Allardyce during Goodison spell
Sam Allardyce has suffered a scathing attack for his spell as Everton manager from one of his former players, with claims his playing style was “not football”.
Allardyce was sacked after six months in charge at Goodison Park and Nikola Vlasic, who has also since left Goodison to join CSKA Moscow on loan, provides colourful testimony as to his experience under the former England boss.
“Everything changed after (Ronald) Koeman left,” Vlasic told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti. “The football played under Big Sam was awful, if it could even be called football.
“In such football I do not have a place. The football team was terrified by everything – the fans mostly.”
Vlasic made only seven appearances under Allardyce and is not part of Marco Silva’s immediate plans, either.
Earlier this week, Silva responded to criticism of his playing style from Allardyce - who he replaced in the summer - claiming he would “only listen to people who love the club”.
Allardyce was hugely unpopular during his Goodison spell.
At this week’s General Meeting, club officials chose to focus solely on the last six months of progress at the club. Allardyce’s name was mentioned only once – when an audience member congratulated Silva for publicly rebuking to former manager.
Vlasic has enjoyed more success in Russia, but he believes the club’s summer transfer business means they are heading in a new direction.
“I know (Everton) have decided internally that they will try to be the new Tottenham and join the biggest league clubs,” said the 21 year-old.
“Everton has spent £100 million last year on reinforcements. Only three players – Richarlison, (Yerry) Mina and (Lucas) Digne – cost about £90m.
“Everton are looking for great names and players from big clubs, like Barcelona.”