Carlo Ancelotti says Everton must approach Sunday’s clash with Bournemouth (4pm BST) with a strong mentality and desire to finish the season with a victory as the Blues aim to build momentum ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth head into the Goodison Park contest requiring maximum points to have any chance of achieving Premier League survival.
The Toffees, meanwhile, will be aiming to conclude the campaign with successive wins, having delivered an accomplished all-round performance in beating Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane on Monday night.
Former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss Ancelotti has overseen a steady improvement in Everton’s results since his appointment as Blues manager in December.
Reflecting on his time in charge at Goodison so far, Ancelotti paid tribute to the warmth of Everton’s supporters and revealed he is savouring working for a “fantastic club with lots of ambition”.
“When I first joined, it was a busy time and it was a really exciting time,” he said.
“I have to mention the first day I was at Goodison Park [when Ancelotti watched from the stands as Everton drew 0-0 with Arsenal]. I found a fantastic reception from the fans.
“It was a really exciting period. It was a good experience.
"After, we had some good periods and we had some difficulties.
“What I have learned is that I am working at a fantastic club.
“I am working in a fantastic atmosphere, in an environment where there is a lot of ambition - where we want to do things properly and there is a lot of love from our supporters. All positive things.
“If I have to say something negative, I would say in some games we were not so good as we wanted to be.
“This can be the step for the future but, in general, I am satisfied, because when I arrived the situation was not so good.
“We moved up quickly from the relegation zone.
“We tried to fight for Europe, we were not able to do so but now the only way is to finish the season well and to prepare for the next season.”
It was announced on Friday that the new Premier League season will kick off on the weekend of 12 September.
Ancelotti outlined how his squad’s increased familiarity with his methods will benefit Everton as the Club aim to make significant strides forward next term.
And while his immediate focus is on leading Everton to a final-day success over Bournemouth on Sunday, Ancelotti explained plans are in place to drive the Club’s progress
“I think we [the coaching staff] know the players better and they know my style better,” he said.
“We have more knowledge.
“Along with the Board, I am responsible for how we have to improve.
“I have clear ideas after six months here of what we need for the future.”
