Carlo Ancelotti targets European places for Everton after derby win over Liverpool
Carlo Ancelotti is targeting a place in the Europa League
Carlo Ancelotti is refusing to allow Everton’s Merseyside derby victory at Anfield to define their season with his sights set on a European qualification.
The 2-0 victory, thanks to goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson, was not only the first win over their rivals in 11 years but the first at the Reds’ home since 1999. The three points take the Toffees level on points with the champions in sixth, though they possess a game in hand.
After closing in on Champions League qualification, with West Ham five points off having played a game more, Ancelotti wants to replicate their rivals while also reiterating the overall goal of a place in the Europa League at least.
“We are working on this. We are working to compete with Liverpool. I think that also, even if we won, we are not at the same level,” he said.
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“I think we are in the right way to be where Liverpool is now – one of the top teams in Europe.
“I think to be focused in a derby is not complicated. The next step is to be focused like we were (at Anfield) in the next game. That will be more complicated.
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“Our target is not (beating) Liverpool. Our target is to reach the European positions and be playing European football next season.
“This is the achievement. I can understand the happiness. Evertonians are really happy – they deserve to be after 22 years – (but) of course we have to achieve something.
“I think this is a good moment for us but this is only three points.”
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Ancelotti has been involved in numerous derbies in Italy and Spain but he was being hailed as a hero after masterminding the win at Anfield.
The 61-year-old, however, played down his involvement.
“I’m not a hero. The heroes have all died, unfortunately,” he said.
“We tried to calm down the players. I think they feel that they have a lot of pressure for this game as Everton did not win for a long time.
“We gave to the players confidence and belief that we could do this – and we did.
“But, of course, to win a derby gives you credits to the next game.”
PA
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