Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has outlined the ‘fascinating challenge’ he and his coaching staff face as football returns after the coronavirus pandemic. The spectre of the runaway league leaders clinching the first league title in 30 years at Goodison Park has now gone following Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal on Wednesday but the Blues boss is adamant Everton’s focus must remain absolute as they seek to end up a turbulent campaign with European qualification. Ancelotti also spoke about the unique and fascinating challenge in front of him and his coaching staff as they prepare the players for playing matches behind closed doors.
Carlo Ancelotti said “It is one month since we returned to USM Finch Farm and we have had only three weeks of contact training to prepare for nine matches. It has been a fascinating challenge for my staff and I and we have been very pleased with the players’ response to everything we have demanded. This situation is completely new for all the managers and players and we accept it has to be this way. Our ambition remains to fight for Europe, nothing has changed. The players understand we have little room for mistakes and our intention is to consistently show the attitude and desire and quality and positivity we brought to our last match at Goodison against Manchester United. Jurgen’s team have had an impressive Premier League season and he has done remarkable work since coming to England. I know Jurgen well and he will be thinking already how to improve his side, to make them an even tougher opponent. We are expecting Liverpool to play with their usual speed and intensity and competitiveness. This is a unique derby match because the fans cannot be in the stadium with us. It has really been a pleasure to discover how Evertonians support their team. Goodison is packed for every game and wherever we play in the country – whatever the day or time – Evertonians fill their section of the ground and lift our players. When the time is right you will be with us again, fighting for every ball.”
