Michael Keane insists Everton will “keep fighting to the end” of the 2019/20 campaign, as he explained why he believes the Club is primed to make significant strides forward under Carlo Ancelotti.
In the three-times Champions League-winning boss, Keane says “you couldn’t wish for a better manager”.
Everton take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Sunday (12pm) aiming to close the gap on the teams in European qualification places.
Centre-back Keane heads into the game in fine form, having produced a string of accomplished performances since the Premier League restart.
The 27-year-old explained how he and his Toffees teammates are benefiting from the experience and tactical awareness of boss Ancelotti.
“You can see a lot of improvement from individuals as well as the team,” said Keane, who recently passed a century of Everton appearances.
“It’s been clear since the manager has come in that we’ve made progress.
“We know we have got a lot of work to do and we need to keep improving.
“We are feeling positive going forward. We still want to try to push for Europe this season, but we know it’s going to be tough after the last couple of results.
“We’ll keep fighting to the end and try to push on again next season.”
Everton host Aston Villa at Goodison Park (6pm kick-off) four days after Sunday’s clash with Wolves.
Ancelotti’s men then travel to Sheffield United on Monday 20 July before rounding off the campaign with a home game against Bournemouth on Sunday 26 July.
England defender Keane acknowledges Everton will likely have to produce a near-faultless run of results across those four matches to have a chance of securing Europa League football next season.
He underlined, however, the Club’s aim is to consistently compete in European competitions.
“Ever since I joined the Club, it’s clear the ambition is to be pushing to get into Europe, then Champions League places, and building on that every year,” Keane said.
“Bringing a manager like Carlo in solidifies that [ambition].
“Everything he has won, you look at his trophy cabinet, his experience, you couldn’t ask for a better manager.
“I think these are exciting times.”
