Independentie
Menu
Sections
Menu
Sections
Shut down
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti believes the race for European places in the Premier League is about to start
Ian Parker
Carlo Ancelotti has urged his Everton players to fight to ambition European places that he expects to last until the last day of the Premier League season.
After Monday’s 1-0 win against Southampton, Everton can make it into the top 4 if they win against West Brom tonight, although their stay there may only be a few hours late that evening given Liverpool hosts Chelsea.
Everton was here before this season, however, with a frustrating inconsistency that prevented them from really making their claim.
Ancelotti have downgraded their chances of qualifying for the Champions League after a 2-0 home loss to Newcastle earlier last month – the first of three straight home league losses that raises questions about their qualifications.
Despite these stumbling blocks, Ancelotti said it wasn’t a bad thing to raise expectations of your players.
« We are happy to be in the fight, » he said. “We have to use our expectations as motivation. When expectations are high, it’s perfectly normal in a club with a fantastic history. We want to be back like we used to be.
« Expectation is not a bad word in my opinion. It is a good word. It motivates you. I think it’s important to be ambitious. «
Ancelotti had urged his players to take this opportunity to ‘touch’ the top four, even though he admitted he didn’t fully realize how short it could be. Even if Everton wins, they’ll be quick overtaken if Liverpool or Chelsea score three points later that evening.
« I forgot this game existed and maybe Liverpool or Chelsea can be in the top four but it doesn’t matter, » he said. « I am sure that this situation will be decided with the European positions in the last game and we want to be there until the last game. »
Enter your email address
This field is required
Registration
Independentie
search
search
An INM website
© Independent.ie
Ref: https://www.independent.ie
