Former Everton defender Johnny Heitinga admits he was bemused by the “amateur” nature of David Moyes’ pre-match routine when he first joined Everton.
The Dutchman signed for the Toffees from Atletico Madrid in 2009, eventually making 140 appearances for the club.
In an interview with Voetbal International, Heitinga discussed the team meeting that took place ahead of his debut against Blackburn Rovers:
I remember it well. Manager David Moyes said during the last meeting that we were to arrive at the stadium at half past two.
We played at three o’clock, I thought he made a mistake. I wasn’t used to it, this reminded me of a meeting time of an amateur team.
But it was true, it was everyone’s own responsibility to eat well and rest. So my wife had to prepare the pasta.
It goes to show how much football has changed in the Premier League in a relatively short space of time, in terms of the preparation that goes in and the nutritional aspects increasingly coming to the fore.
If Heitinga was critical of that lack of professionalism under Moyes at that time, someone he is full of praise for is ex-Blues skipper Phil Neville:
He arranged everything, was there for everyone.
Phil also took care of me in my first months and went to the players to fill envelopes at Christmas for the employees.
Heitinga eventually left Everton in January 2014, joining Fulham.
