The manager of Everton football club, Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that the 2-0 victory Everton recorded against their Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Saturday, February 20, is not an achievement. The Italian tactician says the focus of his team is to qualify for Europe (Europa League or Champions League).
Everton extended Liverpool losing streak to four on Saturday, making it the first time in 22 years that Everton won over Liverpool in the history of the Merseyside derby. Since then, the fans of Everton have been celebrating the rare victory both offline and on social media.
Ahead of Everton’s Premier League match against Southampton which is scheduled to take place on Monday, 1 March 2021, Carlo Ancelotti described Everton’s victory over Liverpool as special but stressed that it has never been the target of his team.
“Our target is not to beat Liverpool – our target is to play in Europe next season. This is the achievement”, Carlo Ancelotti said.
“I can understand the happiness – we are really happy. They [Everton fans] deserve to be happy after 21 years.
“It’s special. I think that to be focused in a derby is not so complicated – the players were really focused. Now the next step is to be focused, like we were tonight, in the next game. That will be more complicated.
“We are wrong if we think we have achieved something. I think it’s a good moment for us, but only three points.”
Everton’s Premier League match against Liverpool which Carlo Ancelotti and his boys won 2-0 has taken Everton on equal point with Liverpool. Everton are currently sitting on the 7th spot on the league table with 40 points in 24 league games.
While their local rivals, Liverpool, are currently sitting on the 6th spot with 40 points in 25 games. They are ahead of Everton due to superior goals difference.
Carlo Ancelotti and his boys will be tested again when they face Southampton on Monday. The last time Everton and Southampton met in the Premier League this season, Southampton defeated Everton 2-0 away from home.
In the Premier League match which took place on 25 October 2020, Everton’s Lucas Digne was shown a red card in the 72nd minute. Before then, Southampton were already leading with two goals at St Mary’s Stadium which remained the final scoreline of the game.
Based on this, the visit of Southampton to Goodison Park on Monday will be an opportunity for Everton to revenge. And such revenge seems to be possible because Southampton have failed to win their last seven Premier League matches. They have suffered 6 defeats and a draw in their last 7 league games.
WDWWWWDW
— Everton (@Everton) February 21, 2021
Away form: 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/EjjnQdJZMA
