Ferguson stays humble despite Everton’s excellent win over Chelsea

Everton bounced back from a difficult week where they sacked manager Marco Silva with a strong effort at home under caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson, beating an error-prone Chelsea side 3-1.

The result sees the Blues climb right out of the relegation zone they had fallen into up to 14th place, with the main schedule of this weekend’s games yet to come.

Speaking after the game, Big Dunc was elated about the experience of leading out the club that he fought so hard for during his playing career.

“It was incredible today, I’ve never felt anything like it in my life. It was unbelievable, what an atmosphere.”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has often been panned by the supporters, came up with a brace today, with all three goals the kind of Ferguson excelled at during his time with the Blues. The move to the 4-4-2 where he was supported by Richarlison seemed to work wonders for him.

“We really like him here. When the goals are coming, his work ethic, what a shift he put in. What a shift everybody put in.”

When asked if he was looking ahead to the next few games, or the January transfer window -

“I’m just looking to get home and have a lie-down.

“I’m not looking ahead at all, I was just looking at this game and then savouring the moment.

“Three fantastic points for us, that’s the main thing.”

What does the future hold for him then?

“Unbelievable, It was an unbelievable experience, one I’ll never forget!

“Honestly, I won’t be going to Moshiri asking for the job. I’m just here for Everton.

“I’m sure they’re out there looking at better candidates and rightly so. We want the very best managers in the world at Everton Football Club.

“It’s one game. It’s one result. This was just an incredible experience for me. One that cannot be taken away from me.”

Speaking to the Everton website, Ferguson added -

“I think, to a man, the players are a credit to a football. We wanted a reaction and we got one today.

“I was very emotional, excited, nervous. It was difficult to get some messages across because the atmosphere was unbelievable. It couldn’t have been any better.

“I don’t know if I could go through it again - I need to get my fitness up, the way I was running up and down the touchline! I’m realistic, though. I’m here for as long as Everton want me to be here.

“It’s difficult to describe the feeling. It was pure emotion - I was close to tears at the end. Nothing was planned [with the celebrations]. I’m very proud and nobody can take this away from me. But it’s not about me - it’s about Everton.”

While Marco Silva was liked by the players, the genuine affection they have for Ferguson was clearly on show after the game and in what they said to the press.

Here’s Theo Walcott to BT Sport:

”Duncan has come in and the club is his heart. That was the Everton way, we play for each other and Dominic was immense. We wanted intensity and pressure and to get in behind them. We put them under pressure and made them make mistakes. Duncan said go out and play your game and enjoy it. As much as it sounds a cliche, that is what we did.”

And matchwinner Dominic Calvert-Lewin whose braces settled it:

“It was a massive game for us and I have a very close relationship with Duncan. He has stuck by me for the three years I have known him. The most important thing was to go out and give 100%.”