Allan Details Reasons For Everton Optimism

Midfielder Allan is convinced Everton’s determination to construct a successful season, coupled with the knowhow of unflappable Carlo Ancelotti, will prompt a speedy upswing in form.

Everton lie eighth in the Premier League, only five points off the summit, but go to Burnley on Saturday aiming to relocate the fluency which marked a profitable start to the campaign.

Manager Ancelotti’s side won their opening four league games, adding three Carabao Cup victories to book this month’s quarter-final date with Manchester United.

Four defeats in five Premier League matches – the latest by a single goal to Leeds United in a game contested at a furious pace – have seen ground conceded to rivals for European positions.

But Brazilian Allan insists everything is in place to reverse that situation during a month when Everton will play six league games – beginning with this weekend's trip to Turf Moor.

“It is our dream and desire to go far this season but we know that in order to achieve this, we need to be playing great right now," said Allan.

"We’ve been working hard on this, recent results haven’t been positive but with peace of mind from the work we’ve been doing during the week, we have everything to turn this around; to get some wins and move higher up the league.


“Carlo is someone who knows how to treat players on a day-to-day basis, which is crucial, because he manages to get 100 per cent out of the players.

“We’re going through some ups and downs right now, but with his calmness and wisdom I’m convinced that moving forward we’ll improve.

“It’s great working with Carlo, he is a top guy, someone who manages to keep all members of the squad happy.”

Allan came to Goodison Park prior to this campaign, reuniting with Ancelotti after the pair were together at Napoli.

His exceptional start was interrupted by an abductor muscle injury but the 29-year-old looked back to full health during a dynamic performance against Leeds on Saturday.

The teams traded 38 shots in that match but the one which counted was administered by Leeds forward Raphinha.

Victory over Burnley in this weekend’s first Premier League game would nevertheless move Everton up to fourth – and two points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur – at full-time.

“We’re preparing really well for this, we have various examples this season that in the Premier League there’s no such thing as an easy game," said Allan.

“We’re doing great in training, focusing on the smallest details, so that on Saturday we’ll get the three points which are really important for us.

“Leeds was a really interesting game but, of course, the result wasn’t good,

“They play in a different style from other teams, so it was a really intense game.


“Both teams created a lot of chances and it ended with them converting one and us losing.

“But we came out of that game with a lot of belief, thinking that if we carry on with the same determination and playing the same way we can have a great season.”

Allan has started and finished all but one of Everton’s 10 Premier League matches – missing out only against Brighton & Hove Albion after being hurt in the Carabao Cup meeting with West Ham United.

He came to England trailing a reputation as a ferocious competitor and to a backdrop of footage on social media showing Allan celebrating a successful tackle for Napoli.

And the South American has conformed to type in this country.

His tally of 36 tackles is second highest in the Premier League, one behind Oriol Romeu, who has played all of Southampton’s 10 matches.

“We’ve [Allan and Ancelotti] chatted a few times about this, because Carlo was a top midfielder and was in great Italy and AC Milan teams," said Allan.

“He’s always giving tips and advice so I can improve and help my teammates on the pitch.

“The Premier League is the most followed and most competitive league in the world.

“Playing in this league, at a club with Everton’s history, with the project being put together here, with a new stadium and with Ancelotti as coach, is a great thing.”