‘There will be an evolution at Everton this summer’ - Ancelotti sets out ambitions

Carlo Ancelotti has given a further indication that he is ready to revamp the Everton squad this summer by declaring that there will be an “evolution” of the club during the close season.

Ancelotti steadied the ship on his arrival on Merseyside during the winter and briefly raised hopes of European qualification. However, results and performances in recent weeks have exposed deeps flaws that remain in the squad.

The impact of Covid-19 and Financial Fair Play may limit just how much Ancelotti can spend in the transfer window, but the Italian insists that things will definitely change for the better.

“It will be, for sure, an evolution of the club. Everton wants to make the next step, which is to improve.

“We will finish in 11th or 12th this season, but for sure next season we have to go up, there is no other way.

“We need better quality, better ambition, better motivation and more passion.”

He also confirmed that he would meet with Marcel Brands and the club’s hierarchy to discuss transfer targets next week.

“We decided to go to the end of the season and after that, as I’ve said a lot of times, we have time to prepare for the new season. We are going to meet next week and make a plan for the future.”

Ancelotti was also asked about the impact of Richarlison, who joined the club from Watford two years ago today and scored his 15th goal of the season in the win at Sheffield United earlier this week.

Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

“I think in the period I’ve been here he’s done really well. Of course he’s young and has to improve, but he has all the qualities that we need. He’s one of our best players.

“The next step is to have more control of the ball, sometimes he loses it too easily. Nothing has to change with his efficiency in the box. He is really good in the box, but he also has to be good outside the box.”

Another player who stood out at Bramall Lane was Jarrad Branthwaite, who put in an assured performance in the centre of defence on what was the 18-year-old’s first senior start for the club.

Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images

Ancelotti has been impressed with how the teenager has adapted to senior football since stepping up to work with the first team.

“He has worked with us in the last months and improved a lot. We are really impressed with him, above all how he is able to manage the pressure that he has. His character is good.”