Jordan Pickford has opened up on Carlo Ancelotti’s ‘headline’ decision to rest the goalkeeper for this season’s clash at Newcastle United.
Jordan Pickford said: “The manager left me out for a couple of games to give me a mental break. I didn’t enjoy it but I had to respect his decision and if you look at his history it has worked – he has done it at every club he’s been at. I didn’t feel I had been dropped – not at all. The first one was against Newcastle and with me being a North East lad and a Sunderland fan I think that was a big headline. But he [Ancelotti] explained it to me straight away and was very honest in what he said. He also came out and explained that I was being rested and was going to be back for the next game, which was brilliant.”
The England and Everton number one was replaced by Robin Olsen for the 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park in November. It was a decision which frustrated Pickford, but one he admits ultimately proved to the be the correct call.
