‘A great club with great tradition’ - Carlo Ancelotti in it for the long haul as he lays out Everton ambitions

Carlo Ancelotti says he is at Everton for the long-term as he embraces life as Toffees boss, both on and off the pitch.

The Italian has made a fine start to his tenure in the Everton dugout, claiming 17 points from eight league games to lift the club up to eighth in the table and revive hopes of European qualification.

After spells at some of Europe’s biggest sides, there were plenty who questioned his decision to move to Goodison Park in December.

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Critics suggested it was one last payday for a manager past his best. Ancelotti, though, insists he is here for the long haul as he looks to lead Everton into their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Speaking to the official site, he said:

“I signed a four-and-a-half-year deal and I would like to finish my contract, to stay here, to do my best.

“And after that, if there is a possibility to continue, I would like to stay more. The ambition and idea is to stay longer.

“The plan is quite clear. First of all, the club is going to build a new stadium, which is really important.

“The club has big ambitions to be competitive in the Premier League and in Europe. We are working for this.

“The base of the squad is very good. We have some young players that are growing. Year-by-year, I think we are going to improve.”

Asked where he sees Everton being in three years, Ancelotti added:

“I think I see Everton [towards] the top of the table, fighting for some titles, fighting to be competitive in Europe.

“And, hopefully, in the new stadium with all the crowd singing my song [laughs]. This is the dream!”

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

One of the most encouraging aspects of Ancelotti’s stewardship, aside from the results on the pitch, has been his desire to embrace life on Merseyside.

Unlike many previous managers, the 60-year-old intends to live in the city rather than deep in the Cheshire countryside.

His calm, measured approach fits perfectly alongside Everton’s people’s club ethos and his enthusiasm for the job provides further evidence that he is in it for the long term.

“Everton is a beautiful club. And we have a beautiful training ground.

“You spend most of your time here [at Finch Farm] – you spend more time here than in your house. It is one of the best training facilities that I have ever seen.

“This place is a family. It is a real family.

“There are a lot of Evertonians that are working at this club.

“Also, the atmosphere in the stadium and in the city, you see how our supporters are so passionate and close to the team, to the players. It is a family.

“Liverpool is a nice city, too. It is particularly different from London. The people are really friendly. I like it here.

“I just have to get used to the weather! After Napoli, I have to adapt a little bit, but it is no problem. “It [the weather] is like the north of Italy and I was born there so I have no problem for this!

“I came here because it was a great opportunity.

“It is a great club with great tradition - and a club that has big ambitions.”