Ancelotti still has confidence in his Everton side, wants more consistency

Everton didn’t necessarily play badly, but didn’t do enough to win either in a 1-0 loss at home to Leeds United. Both sides created bucketloads of chances but then only managed to score once between the pair as the Toffees have now slumped to one win in their last six games after starting the season on a tear of four straight wins.

More comments from the Everton manager here, but on the game itself Carlo Ancelotti talked a little bit about how he had expected better from his side on counterattacks, especially against a Leeds side who threw everyone forward when attacking themselves.

“They attack with a lot of players, they put a lot of players in front. The fullbacks, the wingers, the midfielders, we could have been more efficient with our counterattacks where we had the opportunity.

“We scored two goals that were disallowed, but from our opportunities on the counter attack we could be more efficient.”

Ancelotti added that there was no different instructions to his side to open the second half despite being overwhelmed defensively in the first stanza.

“We had opportunities on the counter attack in the first half also. That was one of the keys to the game, they put a lot of players in attack, so when you get the ball you have possibilities on the counter attack.

“We were in the right positions, we just didn’t finish well.”

The injury bug continues to haunt the Blues with Lucas Digne now sidelined for a couple of months at least while club captain Seamus Coleman remains out.

“We are in a more difficult period. But it is during a more difficult period is when you can see how the players react, the character and the personality of the players.

“I still have confidence, we are there [where we want to be], we just need more consistency.”

Ancelotti was visibly emotional during the minute’s applause for the late Diego Maradona, who passed away this week. When asked about it, the veteran manager explained why he teared up.

“I knew him really well, off the pitch. Everyone knows him on the pitch, but I knew him off the pitch and he was a good man.

“When a good man - and a good friend - passes away, of course you are touched.”