Asmir Begovic interview: Everton optimism, Moyes' influence and ‘icon' Coleman

New York Times

12-06-2025

Asmir Begovic is philosophical about what is to come.
The veteran goalkeeper is soon to be a free agent, his contract with Everton expiring at the end of the month. It has been confirmed that he will not be getting a new deal with them.
Begovic, who turns 38 next week, describes the decision-making process around his Everton exit as 'simple'. Talks were short and succinct.
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'They wanted to change direction a bit and bring in new blood,' he tells The Athletic.
'For me, it was easy. No hard feelings. You respect the decision. We gave it everything and shook hands, having done our job. That's what makes it something you look back on with some fondness.'
Begovic's time at Everton was largely challenging, for reasons beyond his control.
His first spell, between 2021 and 2023, saw two relegation battles. Then, after a year with west London-based Queens Park Rangers in the second-tier Championship, he returned to Goodison Park last summer, with Everton still financially stricken and in the midst of a lengthy takeover process.
His role changed slightly last season compared to that first stint. He went from being No 2 'keeper to third-choice, providing able cover for England international Jordan Pickford and backup Joao Virginia — who is leaving too this summer with the expiry of his contract — yet still saw rejoining Everton as a 'no-brainer'.
A call from the Merseyside club's then director of football Kevin Thelwell last summer emphasised that Begovic would play a valuable leadership role with the place still engulfed in uncertainty. Everton wanted to lean on the experience he gained during that tumultuous first spell.
'I don't think anyone would have known what was to happen in those first two years,' Begovic says. 'So it was absolutely nothing new (to me).
'Being able to deal with it in a really calm way was obviously part of the appeal in bringing me back. I knew exactly what to expect, and it was easy to cope with everything.'
Begovic describes his first spell with Everton as more challenging than the second — 'there was a lot of turmoil, probably unexpectedly'. But there is now a sense the club are stronger having come through such adversity, which included two separate points deductions for financial breaches in the 2023-24 season, after the takeover by The Friedkin Group and the move to their new stadium for next season.
'Because of that period, everyone knew what it could be like,' says Begovic, who did not make an appearance last season as Pickford excelled and Virginia played once each in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. 'Those past experiences have really helped the team to be calm and deal with certain situations.'
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Present during two turbulent chapters in the club's recent history, Begovic ended up playing an admittedly unheralded part in seeing them through unscathed.
He was part of a senior leadership group that also included captain Seamus Coleman, defenders James Tarkowski and Ashley Young and Pickford. Coleman's presence helped ensure all 'egos were left at the door'.
'Seamus is the ultimate leader, the icon of the club,' says the Canada-raised Bosnia-Herzegovina international. 'He sets the tone. He's somebody that you just want to play with and play for. What he represents and what he stands for really epitomise Everton and everything the club can be.
'We had a really good group behind that, trying to set certain standards and keep everyone together. There was some good quality in the squad and we had fantastic support staff, so I felt like it was a really good mix this year. That sort of made us achieve the maximum we could.
'No matter the circumstances, we always stuck together and kept pushing. The fruits of the labour really came through in the second half of the season.'
Everton ended the campaign in fine form under David Moyes, back for a second stint as manager over a decade after leaving for Manchester United, finishing in a comfortable mid-table position. The woes in the first half of the season under the Scot's predecessor Sean Dyche are now a distant memory, but there was always a sense the squad could do better.
'That (early period) probably wasn't a true reflection of us and the quality we had,' Begovic says.
'But even when results weren't where we wanted them to be, I don't think we were a million miles away,' he adds, pointing to games against Bournemouth and Aston Villa where Everton lost after surrendering 2-0 leads. 'After that, we really showed the team we could be with the new manager coming in. We were able to turn it around and made it a lot easier for ourselves.'
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So what changed when Moyes arrived in January?
'The funny thing is, when he came in, he said there's not much that needs to change, especially defensively,' he says. 'In possession, he put his touch on certain things and added different details, and that mix worked.'
Another key difference was the shift in atmosphere, with Moyes' return to the club he led for over a decade between 2002 and 2013 providing something of a comfort blanket.
'I don't think you can underestimate the impact that he had,' Begovic says. 'The atmosphere, as soon as he walked in — his legendary status — made a really big difference.
'He's a really experienced, calm manager. He never gets too high or too low, just really believes in what he does. He's got a really good staff and surrounds himself with really good people. He tries to create camaraderie. But at the same time, he'll tell you how it is if he wants certain things done in a better way. He just has a really good mix.'
We talk about Pickford, the team's talisman during those relegation battles and Begovic's long-time training partner.
Despite being the Everton and England No 1, there is still a sense he does not receive the plaudits from some quarters that he deserves.
'He's playing at an incredibly high level,' Begovic says. 'Obviously, he loves being at Everton, and Everton love him. He's doing the business for England, going from strength to strength, and it's great to see.
'We've developed a really big respect and friendship, pushed each other in training and made each other better. You do get better with experience. I've seen a change (in) his maturity, the way he plays the game.
'He's been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League for the last five years.'
Mentorship seems to come naturally to Begovic. He enjoys passing on his experience, gained during stints at Chelsea, Portsmouth and Stoke City among others, and has his own academy, which operates in both the UK and Bosnia.
In his spare time, he is making more media appearances, paving the way for a potential life after professional football. But he remains keen to prolong his playing career.
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'You only get one chance at this job,' Begovic says. 'I've looked after myself well over the last few years. In football, I don't look too far ahead. Hopefully, the right situation comes up, and I'd like to keep doing it. I'm really open to all roles. I've done them now, so let's see what happens.'
The end of one chapter, then, and the start of another — for Begovic and the club he is leaving behind.
What comes next may be unclear, but he is optimistic about Everton's future, having played his small part in safeguarding it.
'Hopefully, Everton have weathered the storm and you're looking at brighter times,' Begovic says. 'They deserve nothing but the very best. Ownership, hopefully, can open up more resources and opportunities with the new stadium. It's exciting times and hopefully they can make the most of it.'