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Jake O’Brien makes admission over ‘tough’ Everton pre-season and problem transfer position
Matt C Jones
3 – 4 minutes
SportFootball
Everton FC
Jake O’Brien is expecting Everton to improve after a slow start to pre-season
Jake O’Brien of Everton in action during the pre-season friendly match between Blackburn Rovers and Everton at Ewood Park on July 19, 2025 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Jake O’Brien expects Everton to recover from what has been a “tough pre-season” so far. The Blues have drawn with Accrington Stanley and lost to Blackburn Rovers in their first two games.
While some rustiness is expected, some supporters have been concerned by the performances against lower league-opposition. The only goal scored across the two games came after Beto netted from the penalty spot against Accrington.
O’Brien has featured in both games and after an excellent end to the previous season, looks set to play a major part in the upcoming campaign.
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Speaking to Everton TV+, the defender said he has been keen to get back on the pitch and that he believes the team will begin to improve in the coming weeks.
“I know it’s been a tough pre-season to start with, but we’ve got big games coming up and it’s important we get valuable minutes in them and get the sharpness up,” he said.
“It’s early and I’m just going to go back, train, and make sure that I get sharper and more fit. There are big games coming up so it’s important that I keep training hard and become more sharp come the start of the Premier League.”
Everton’s pre-season preparations are set to intensify in the coming days. On Wednesday they will fly out to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series event, with matches against Bournemouth, West Ham United and Manchester United to come.
It will be intriguing to see what role O’Brien plays in those games. Everton tried to sign Kenny Tete as a right-back option this summer, although he eventually opted to stay at Fulham.
The Irishman was used in that position last season and performed well in the main. He’s confirmed he’d be happy to stand in at full-back again if required.
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“I think it’s important to be versatile,” he acknowledged. “To not just know one position but to know various positions – and I think I’m still learning. But it’s good to play out there. I’m happy to play in the two positions and if I’m needed there, I’ll be ready.”
Nathan Patterson is the squad’s only other right-back option as things stand, with club captain Seamus Coleman absent for the first two matches of the summer.
O’Brien may also be needed at centre-back, as James Tarkowski continues his recovery from the injury he suffered late last season.
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