Ancelotti's Everton Demand

Carlo Ancelotti says Everton must return from the forthcoming international break “in a different shape” following defeat by Manchester United on Saturday.

Everton have claimed one point from four matches since October’s pause for internationals – after winning their opening four Premier League games.

Bernard, recalled by manager Ancelotti for a first league start this season, put Everton in front on 19 minutes at Goodison Park.

But United midfielder Bruno Fernandes scored twice in quick succession before half-time to turn the match on its head.

Edinson Cavani scored the visitors’ third goal deep into stoppage-time.

Everton play Fulham away in their next Premier League fixture in a fortnight.

“Unfortunately, it is not a good period, we had three defeats and a lot of problems [with injuries and suspension],” said Ancelotti.

“I hope after the international break we will be back in a different shape.

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01:58

HIGHLIGHTS: EVERTON 1-3 MANCHESTER UNITED

Bernard on target but Everton beaten at Goodison.


“The problem was, after we scored, we were not able to defend well.

“We were not compact and gave them the opportunity to play between the lines.

“We were not so focused in the box.

“They scored two goals easily and took advantage.

“After that it was more difficult

“If we were able to play the first half like we played the second, we could have had a different result, but that was not the case.

"With the ball we were quite good and in the second half we played with quality and spirit and had control but it was not enough.

“What we did wrong was the second part of the first half.

“We said before the game, we have to defend better but we didn’t defend well enough.

“It is a collective mistake

“It is quite a clear problem and we have to solve this.

“We were slow at the back and gave them opportunities and there we have to improve if we want to do better.

“It is not only the problem of the defenders.

“When you don’t defend well, you have to be focused on all the team.

"The last period we conceded too many goals and this can't happen.

"To win games you need to keep clean sheets because you cannot score three or four goals every game."

Everton were undefeated in five home matches prior to this weekend’s game.

They scored 11 goals in their opening three Premier League matches and in two Carabao Cup fixtures added seven more in the process of booking another meeting with United in December’s quarter-final.

A Merseyside derby draw maintained Everton’s flying start following October’s round of international matches.

But this loss to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team follows defeats away at Southampton and Newcastle.

“It is different territory for me,” said Ancelotti, who last lost three successive league games in November 2006 when in charge of AC Milan.

“But I know how to manage the difficulties.

“Every year, you have difficulties to manage – and this is the moment we have to manage difficulties.

“I hope after the international break, we have players back without injuries.

“To start again, because this season is not finished.

“We started the season well.

“We had this bad moment and we have to be focused.

"I am not worried about the offensive aspect.

"Where we have to work is on the defensive situation... we are going to do this and I hope to see my team play like at the start of the season.”