Ancelotti on the attraction of the Premier League and Everton’s ambitions to reach the top

Carlo Ancelotti says he always wanted to return to the Premier League after his departure from Chelsea nine years ago, revealing he finds it “more enjoyable” than managing in Italy.

The Italian was unceremoniously sacked as Chelsea boss in the corridors of Goodison Park after a 1-0 defeat by the Toffees on the final day of the 2010-11 season.

The ruthless dismissal didn’t do his career much harm, with Ancelotti subsequently taking in spells at Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Napoli, where he was sacked in December.

Now back in the England at Everton (a phrase I never thought I would write) Ancelotti told Sky Sports about the myriad differences between the Premier League and Serie A

“It is more enjoyable [managing in the Premier League], definitely. There is less pressure here from the supporters and the atmosphere is better in England.

“I came back to Italy after nine years and it didn’t change a lot, the pressure is the same and with the supporters, there is a lot of violence. Italian football is trying to change but it is not easy to change the culture of a country where unfortunately there is still violence and assault.

“Here in England, the people in the stadium, and I’m talking about only in the stadium, are more respectful.”

“First of all I wanted to come back to Italy [after leaving Bayern]. I had an experience at Napoli and it was a good experience there but if I had to choose a league, I wanted to come back to the Premier League for the atmosphere you feel here and the atmosphere the Premier League has.

“The fact I had the opportunity to come to Everton was really important. Everton is a club with a fantastic history, fantastic tradition and they have a goal to be at the top. We are trying to, if we are able after the COVID [shutdown], we will try to do our best.”

Everton returned to training this week for the first time in more than two months after the coronavirus shutdown, though sessions were staggered and limited to small groups while following social distancing guidelines.

The Premier League hopes to resume matches behind closed doors in June, though the tentative restart date of June 12 looks likely to be put back.

It will be a welcome relief to start talking about football again after such a worrying and upsetting time for everyone.

Ancelotti is eager to get back working with his players and continue the improvements he had begun to make to the side.

He remains confident about the club’s future and its ambition both on and off the pitch, as well as the relationship he has built up with the supporters.

“I miss my players. Through my staff, we are in contact with them, they are working a lot at home but of course, everyone else would like to start soon.

“This is not the comfortable behaviour with how we would like to work or spend time together. The way I like more is to stay with my players and train with them, work with them, talk with them and I hope that soon, we will be able to do this.

“I think everyone in the club is working to try to be at the top soon. Of course, there is a lot of competition here in the Premier League but I think we have a possibility.

“We have a good goal, we are building a new stadium so we know that behind us is fantastic supporters and fans that help us to be motivated. I think soon, we can be competitive.”