Carlo Ancelotti to Everton? I would never have predicted that in a million years.
I would never disrespect the Toffees, but they’ve been lacklustre in recent years and that makes me wonder why Ancelotti would agree to manage a side who are currently 15th and four points off the relegation zone at the time of writing this.
In all fairness, I guess the former Chelsea manager doesn’t have a lot to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
Under his stewardship, I really struggle to see how Everton could continue their poor form. Just look at the Italian’s CV and the teams he’s managed: Juventus, Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli.
Not only has he achieved success in England, but also around Europe. This is very promising for Everton if they can get in to a position where they can qualify for Europe. Having a manager who has a wealth of experience in Italy, France, Spain and Germany can only bode well for the Europa League.
It’s also easy to forget that Ancelotti is still only 60. The Italian surely has at least another five years left in the tank before he retires, which gives him sufficient time to bring Everton back to where they belong, in and around the Europa League/Champions League places.
You have to give credit to Farhad Moshiri and Alisher Usmanov, with the latter also reportedly being in talks with the new manager before his arrival. While his services won’t come cheap with his new staff as well, I have 99% confidence that this move will work out for Everton.
They’re a big club and the players that they’ve brought in over the past year or two show Moshiri’s ambition: Richarlison, Yerry Mina, Andre Gomes, Bernard, Lucas Digne, Moise Kean and Alex Iwobi.
The club have major potential to go on and challenge for the European spots once again.
Moshiri has decided not to gamble on a young manager like Arsenal and Chelsea have – and I can’t help but admire the owner for showing the ambition to not only enter talks with Ancelotti, but also to secure his services for the foreseeable future.
His four-and-a-half year deal is a promising sign for the club. I would wish Everton the best of luck but they don’t need it. They’re in safe hands under Ancelotti and it’s all because of Farhad Moshiri’s decision making to bring him to the club.
The future is looking bright for both Premier League teams on Merseyside – can Everton become the noisy neighbours that halt Liverpool in their tracks? It’s not impossible but it’s one hell of a task they’ll have on their hands.
