Vitalii Mykolenko has admitted he sometimes misses the atmosphere at Goodison Park – but not necessarily Everton’s former home itself.
The Ukraine international has spoken about the club’s move to the Hill Dickinson and the differences between the two stadiums during the international break.
Goodison was Everton‘s home for 133 years, and its atmosphere remains a source of nostalgia for supporters. Mykolenko understands that feeling, but says the facilities at the club’s new home represent a significant improvement.
Speaking on the VZBIRNA YouTube channel, he said:
“Sometimes I miss the atmosphere at Goodison. But I wouldn’t say I miss our old home all that much, because this stadium is much newer and more comfortable.”
Mykolenko believes results will ultimately play a big part in how the new stadium feels.
“The first season at the new stadium wasn’t the best because we didn’t win many matches, but there is hope that we’ll secure more victories this season.”
Mykolenko sees Everton moving forward
The 26-year-old’s comments offer a player’s perspective on a move that has required some adjustment for supporters as well as the team.
Goodison’s history and atmosphere were never going to be replicated simply by building a bigger, more modern stadium. The Hill Dickinson offers Everton something different, while victories will help the new ground develop its own character over time.
Moyes’ side entered the international break unbeaten in seven matches in all competitions after beating Ipswich Town 1-0.
That victory also continued an impressive defensive start. Everton have kept five clean sheets in seven matches, with Mykolenko playing an important part in the improvement at the back.
Mykolenko feeling benefits of Premier League experience
The left-back also discussed his own development in a separate interview with Setanta Sports, explaining how experience has changed him since his younger days with Dynamo Kyiv.
“I feel great. I am experienced and now understand what experience is compared to when I was 20 years old playing for Dinamo Kiev.”
Mykolenko believes that maturity has affected both the physical and mental sides of his game.
“Sometimes you react to situations more calmly than you used to, both on the pitch and off, and physically I feel much better than I used to when I was young.”
He has also become more conscious of managing his body as his career has developed.
“When you are young, you have a lot of strength, but mentally, you approach all things much better, and physically you feel much better too. I started listening to my body much better than a few years ago and now I feel very, very good.”
Full details from both interviews were carried in the Liverpool Echo’s coverage of Mykolenko’s comments.
Mykolenko calls this his strongest Everton squad
Mykolenko was also positive about the group Moyes now has at his disposal.
“From what I see in the dressing room, this is probably the strongest squad I’ve been part of since I arrived at Everton.”
The Ukrainian believes greater competition for places has helped raise standards.
“I’m really happy that we have such a balanced and competitive team – with healthy competition, that is. So, I have high hopes.”
Mykolenko has experienced that competition himself. We previously looked at the left-back competition under Moyes and the debate among supporters surrounding Mykolenko’s Everton future.
His recent performances have provided a strong response. Mykolenko played the full 90 minutes as Ukraine beat Hungary 1-0 on Friday, extending his run to four successive clean sheets across club and country.
His ambitions for Everton remain measured.
“I really hope so – that we’ll climb higher than in previous seasons.
“But if we are making progress, that’s already a good thing. Even moving up one or two spots each season is positive; it means we’re heading in the right direction.”
Everton’s 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town before the international break offered another positive result to take into October.
Mykolenko may still miss the Goodison atmosphere from time to time. His comments make clear, though, that he sees Everton’s future at the Hill Dickinson rather than looking back towards their old home.
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