Alex Iwobi has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of his Everton career, revealing how a social media post and a conversation with Carlo Ancelotti ultimately led to him losing his place in the team.
The Nigerian international, who has since rebuilt his reputation through hard work and consistency, admitted that his time under the legendary Italian manager taught him one of the biggest lessons of his professional career.
Speaking about the experience, Iwobi explained that Ancelotti regularly used him in unfamiliar positions.
Instead of playing in his preferred attacking midfield role, the Everton star found himself operating as a right wing-back, right-back and right midfielder, often sacrificing his own game for the benefit of the team.
According to Iwobi, Ancelotti gave him very specific instructions whenever Everton had possession.
The Italian wanted him to move the ball quickly to the team’s creative players, including James Rodríguez and Allan, allowing them to dictate the tempo of matches.
However, Iwobi admitted that he believed he also had the ability to influence games himself.
As a naturally creative player, he wanted more freedom to express himself on the pitch rather than simply acting as a supporting option.
That belief eventually led to a decision he now describes as a valuable lesson.
Frustrated at not playing in his natural role, Iwobi posted a message on his social media story saying he wished he could play in his preferred position.
The post quickly attracted attention and eventually became a topic during one of Ancelotti’s press conferences.
Rather than ignoring it, the experienced manager approached Iwobi directly.
Ancelotti asked him where he believed his best position was.
Iwobi told him.
The manager listened.
And in the very next match against Burnley, Ancelotti gave him exactly what he had asked for.
For Iwobi, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
After publicly expressing his desire to play in his natural role, he had been given the chance to prove himself.
But football can be unforgiving.
Everton struggled badly in the match.
By half-time, the Toffees were already two goals behind.
Just ten minutes into the second half, Ancelotti decided to make a change.
Iwobi was substituted.
The disappointment did not end there.
According to the Nigerian international, he did not feature again for the next four matches.
It was a painful moment that left a lasting impression on his career.
Rather than blaming Ancelotti, however, Iwobi now looks back on the experience as an important learning process.
The episode taught him that earning a manager’s trust requires patience, discipline and consistently delivering performances whenever opportunities arise.
It also reinforced the importance of adapting to different tactical roles for the benefit of the team.
At the time, Everton were blessed with experienced players, and Ancelotti had a clear vision of how he wanted his side to play.
Every player had a specific responsibility, and the Italian expected complete commitment to his tactical instructions.
For a young player eager to showcase his individual qualities, accepting that role was not always easy.
Yet Iwobi now recognises that those challenging moments helped shape him into the player he would later become.
After Ancelotti’s departure, Iwobi gradually rediscovered his confidence and eventually became one of Everton’s most consistent performers.
His versatility, once viewed as a limitation, became one of his greatest strengths.
Managers began trusting him in multiple positions, knowing he would always give maximum effort for the team.
Supporters who once questioned his role at Everton eventually saw a completely different player.
His energy, work rate and willingness to adapt earned widespread praise, and he became an important figure in the squad.
Looking back, Iwobi’s story is a reminder that setbacks can often become turning points.
The disappointment of being dropped after finally receiving an opportunity in his preferred position could easily have damaged his confidence permanently.
Instead, he used the experience as motivation.
He learned.
He improved.
And he came back stronger.
His honesty about that period has also given supporters a fascinating insight into Carlo Ancelotti’s management style.
The Italian was prepared to listen to his players, but he also expected them to justify every opportunity they were given.
For Iwobi, that opportunity came against Burnley.
It did not go as planned.
But the lesson stayed with him.
Football careers are rarely straightforward.
Every player experiences highs and lows.
For Alex Iwobi, one social media post changed the course of his Everton journey, but it also helped shape the resilient professional he is today.
Now, years later, he speaks about the experience without bitterness.
