Zack Elbouzedi is enjoying life with Lincoln City following the return to football for the 2020/21 campaign.
The Irish winger who joined the Imps in January from SSE Airtricity League Premier Division side, Waterford featured in the Imps line-up as they beat Scunthorpe on penalties in last Tuesday’s EFL Trophy clash.
Elbouzedi was pleased to get back out on LNER Stadium's turf, explaining how he has adapted to life in England following spells in Ireland and Scotland.
“When I moved over it was difficult, I didn’t have the best of starts and then coronavirus came along, so it was stop start,” said Zack.
“But since we have come back, I have felt good, I thought I played well in the cup game and training has gone well. I try to get in the gym throughout the week too so I can improve my physical game.
“It is always difficult for someone to come in over January and then adjust, especially when I was moving from a different country, but I feel good now.
“Lincoln is a lovely place; it reminds me of Harry Potter up at the top of the city. Me and Ethan Ross lived together at West Brom, so I am close to him, I know Anthony Scully from Ireland as well so get on well with him.”
The winger went on to speak about his personal game, expressing his hunger to do well for the Imps.
“I think if you look at the squad, I’m about the sixth most senior player now because the manager has brought in his new players.
“I have come back in good nick and I am ready to play, I have a good final ball usually but that let me down in the cup game, so I will be looking to improve that.
“I think I am the sort of winger who can setup and score goals, I am happy doing either it is just about getting in the positions. I have the hunger to do well every day, I want to play as many games as I can.”
Zack also commented on the rotation Michael Appleton will be introducing to the side throughout the season: “Everyone understands, the manager told us that we would be lucky to play 40 games because we need rotation.
“We have a happy settled squad; everyone knows that it is unreasonable to play every game.
“The good thing was that we got our transfer business done fairly early, so we all got to know each other, it is a good young group and we all get on. We are getting better and better so I hope that can continue.”
Elbouzedi finished by looking at tomorrow night’s Carabao Cup clash against Bradford City: “If we can get the Liverpool game, it will be amazing, but it is going to be tough at Bradford because they are a good side and are up for it because they want the tie as well.
“We will go to play well and get into the next round.”
