Harry Diamond
Carlo Ancelotti has described his first game as Everton manager as ‘a perfect day’ after seeing the club beat Burnley 1-0 at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti’s reign as Everton manager began in perfect fashion on Boxing Day, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late goal securing a precious three points and lifting the struggling Toffees up to 13th place in the Premier League table.
The result was a huge positive for the Merseyside club who have endured a difficult start to the new season, though the appointment of three-time Champions League winner Ancelotti has caused great optimism surrounding the club’s future.
The 60-year-old former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss was making his return to English football after more than eight-and-a-half years away, and admits it was a ‘special moment’ to see his side respond with hard-fought home victory.
“For me, it was a really special moment [being introduced to the crowd]. After that, I saw a good performance and a good result. Today was a perfect day,” the Italian coach told Match of the Day.
“I’m happy because we need points to move up the table. It was a difficult game because Burnley played a strong game but we deserved the result.
“We tried to build-up with three defenders to put more players between the lines, and some situations were good for us and others have to improve.
“This is normal and I didn’t want to change a lot for the players. I have seen some good things. The spirit of the team, the fact Everton is a family and we have fantastic facilities.”
Ancelotti will now be seeking to make it consecutive wins as Everton boss when he takes his side to face Newcastle at St James’ Park tomorrow.
See also – Five of the greatest Boxing Day Premier League games