:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65952333/1195233687.jpg.0.jpg)
Everton laboured to a 0-0 draw against Arsenal today at Goodison, but most of the talk after the game was around the new permanent manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Interim manager Duncan Ferguson saw his tenure end with five points in three league games against Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, along with a penalty shootout loss against Leicester City in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.
Speaking after the final whistle, the Scotsman was elated about how things had gone for him -
“I’m glad we haven’t ended on a defeat, Im absolutely delighted we got the draw and it’s an extra point. We’re undefeated since we’ve been in.
“It’s brilliant, it’s fantastic for the club isn’t it? A (Ancelotti’s) pedigree to come here, I can’t wait to start working with him and I’m sure I’ll learn a lot.
“Not at all (chatted to him), but hopefully tonight over a glass of red wine. I’ll get him a few bottles of red wine, you don’t know I might become co-manager or something!”
"I couldn't have asked for any more, they've been incredible for me."
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) December 21, 2019
"Maybe I'll get Ancelotti a few of bottles of red wine and become the co-manager!"
Duncan Ferguson speaks to @DesKellyBTS as his temporary Everton reign ends...
He gave the fans their pride back pic.twitter.com/YH2s2J0mEq
Of course, Ferguson is going to be an assistant coach along with Ancelotti’s son Davide and he confirmed the news later.
“I’ve said all along we want a world class manager at Everton - and we’ve got one. I’ve had a word with me and I’m still in a job!
“What he’s done in the game is incredible so I can’t get started working with him. I’ll be here as long as the club want me here so I’ll be back on Monday.
“[Ancelotti] came into the changing room after the game. He made a lovely speech - everyone is onboard and we’re all looking forward to starting work on Monday.”
| Time to hear from a very proud Duncan Ferguson. #EVEARS pic.twitter.com/yOjWOsYTPI
— Everton (@Everton) December 21, 2019
About the forgettable game, Ferguson recognized the physical toll the last few games has taken on his side.
“I think a point was fair. We struggled with energy levels and they probably had the better chances but we’re happy with a point. The players dug deep today.
”I’ve enjoyed it but I knew it was going to be tough today. The boys were on their last legs to be honest, after working so hard in the last three games. But we still covered every blade of grass - we just lacked a bit of quality in the final third.”
As far as the relationship with the fans, Big Dunc commended them again for the support.
”Me and the fans go way back - I’ve been here 25 years. They’re the lifeblood of the club.”