Carlo Ancelotti has detailed why he is savouring the prospect of experiencing his first Merseyside derby as Everton manager.
The Blues take on Liverpool at Anfield in an FA Cup third-round tie on Sunday and the Italian revealed how he relishes the challenge of competing in such high-stakes contests, explaining how “pressure means energy – which for me is like gasoline for the car”.
Ancelotti’s reign at Everton has got off to an encouraging start.
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager oversaw impressive victories in his opening two games at the helm, before the Toffees were edged out 2-1 at Premier League champions Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
The Toffees boss, nevertheless, praised the intensity and drive his players showed to battle back into the game at Etihad Stadium after falling two goals down to Pep Guardiola’s gifted side.
He insists Everton will approach Sunday’s game in a positive mindset – and says his team must embrace the chance to kick off their FA Cup campaign against their city rivals.
“To have pressure is good,” he explained.
“To have pressure, in my opinion, is energy. It is like gasoline for the car.
“The fact we play a fantastic team, it is the FA Cup, there is the possibility to have a dream to win the FA Cup… it is a big challenge for us. It is also a big motivation.
“There will be a fantastic atmosphere. It will be my first time in this derby. I am excited. I know how it is important for both sets of supporters.
“It is exciting to be part of this spectacular game and spectacular atmosphere.”
The FA Cup is among a raft of trophies serial winner Ancelotti has lifted during his playing and managerial career.
Ancelotti won the competition at Chelsea in 2009/10 – the west London club completing a league and cup double in his maiden season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
“I would like to try to win the cup again this year,” he said.
“It will be difficult, I know, but it is a fantastic competition.
“It is a dream. It gives us a lot of motivation. It doesn’t change our [long-term] goals – our future does not depend on this game against Liverpool.
“But, of course, we have to do our best to try to win, to try to keep the dream alive.”
Ancelotti has enjoyed success against Liverpool in recent times, with his Napoli side overcoming Jurgen Klopp’s team in the group stages of the Champions League in both of the past two campaigns.
“It gives me confidence, the fact I did well against Liverpool,” he added.
“I hope that will be the same on Sunday.”
