Everton’s Marouane Fellaini speaks to the media during a press conference announcing that his team will play in Java Cup soccer tournament
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MAROUANE Fellaini wants Everton FC to be in perfect condition to hit the ground running against Manchester United on the opening day of the season.
The Belgian midfielder was on top form and scored a fine goal when the Toffees held United to a thrilling 4-4 draw in their last Premier League meeting in April.
And the 24-year-old knows Everton’s pre-season preparations must be flawless, if they are to match the performances levels which dealt a fatal blow to Alex Ferguson’s title bid on that day last term.
Fellaini has been busy on club duties this week, taking part in promotional activity in China and Indonesia – where the Blues will travel next month to play in the Java Cup in the capital Jakarta.
And he said: “It is important we are all prepared for the start of the Premier League season against Manchester United on the opening day. For that you need high level games and hopefully this tournament will provide them.
“I am very happy to be here in Indonesia and it’s great to be playing in a tournament against Galatasaray, Malaysia and Indonesia.”
The Blues squad will travel to the Indonesian capital to play in a four-team tournament along with Turkish champions Galatasaray and sides representing both Malaysia and the host country.
Games will take place over a four-day period from July 26-29 at Jakarta’s 88,000-capacity Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Everton’s popularity in Asia is growing steadily through the club’s relationship with main sponsors, Thai brewery Chang, the recent launch of the Chinese Football Dream project and now participation in the Java Cup.
And Fellaini added: “I hope that with time Everton will collaborate with Indonesian football to assist in the development of young players and to use their expertise to help build up their infrastructure.
“This is the first time for Everton to come to Indonesia and it is a big moment for us. Hopefully the tournament will prove very popular.”
The Blues will open the tournament against Galatasaray on July 26, kicking off at 9pm local time (3pm BST). The Turks boast some big names, including Brazilian international Felipe Melo, Czech striker Milan Baros, former Arsenal man Emanuel Eboue and a host of Turkish internationals.
The winners of that game will face the winners of the clash between Malaysia and an Indonesian side reinforced with the best players from their domestic top flight. The two losers will play off for third place.
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