Jan up to the challenge

Jan Mucha insists he didn’t join Everton to make up the numbers.

Slovakia’s number one goalkeeper joined up with his new team mates following an extended break, due to his commitment at the World Cup. Speaking exclusively to EvertonTV earlier this week, Mucha stated that he intends to push Tim Howard all the way for the number one jersey at Goodison Park.

 He said: “Obviously the standard at Everton is higher than before but I haven’t come here to sit down and watch. I expect to compete for the first spot and my ambitions are very high.”

Mucha also mentioned how good the training facilities at Finch Farm were, and that he was slowly getting to grips with the English language.

“I would say that many clubs in Europe would be jealous of such a training ground. The conditions here are of a really high standard,” he continued.

“I have heard about the Premier League, to me it is the best league and I have been watching for a long time.

“After a four week holiday the first week is always the hardest but I have done pre-seasons before and it has become quite normal.

“I am afraid when I was back home and in education I was studying German! I have been learning English for four or five months – just the basics – but I am starting lessons from today so I apologise for not being fluent enough to do this interview myself!”