Chairman Bill Kenwright insists Carlo Ancelotti is “the perfect man for Everton” and the Club will continue its evolution under the “revered” Italian manager in 2021.
Everton are fifth in the Premier League following Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers and on course to achieve their overarching aim of qualifying for European football.
Mr Kenwright, speaking at the Club’s virtual General Meeting on Thursday, also paid tribute to Major Shareholder Farhad Moshiri for his ongoing and “essential” support – and looked forward to the “extraordinary” day when Goodison Park is full again.
The supremely decorated Ancelotti has overseen a transformative 12 months at Goodison Park following his appointment in December 2019.
Fortified by the additions of first-rate acquisitions James Rodriguez, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ben Godfrey, Everton are four points off the Premier League summit and in the FA Cup fourth round.
“I want us to be in Europe and would love us to win that FA Cup,” said Mr Kenwright.
“And I would like us to build with Carlo.
“I knew Carlo a bit before he joined and instinctively knew he was a good man and a man Evertonians would appreciate.
“Add to that his extraordinary CV and you have the perfect man for Everton.
“Carlo is a great communicator and we talk after every game.
“I knew he would bring something special – and there would come a time he would want to imprint his own kind of player on the squad.
“This summer was important: the fact we gave him support for the three buys he wanted [Ancelotti prioritised the recruitment of Allan, James and Doucoure, who all arrived inside a four-day window in September].
“People want to play for Carlo Ancelotti.
“He is a good man and that goes right through the Football Club and the attitude of the players to him.
“They really revere him.
“I want Everton to be in the forefront of all that is good in football.
“I know it is from everyone I talk to – other clubs, football fans and national governing bodies – and to reward Farhad and Evertonians with some silverware. I’d love that.”
Mr Kenwright revealed his biggest wish for 2021 is an “end to the Covid nightmare” following a “terrible year”.
“Our hearts go out to all those who suffered losses,” he said.
Football’s return in June from its coronavirus-enforced lockdown “played a very important part in the nation’s growth”, continued Mr Kenwright, who praised Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale for her significant contribution to the sport’s safe resumption.
Everton hosted three matches with 2,000 supporters inside the ground last month before the country’s third lockdown forced all elite sport back behind closed doors.
“They sounded like 20,000 and the supporters just loved it,” said Mr Kenwright.
“When you see some of the football we’ve been playing, you want to hear those Evertonians.
“You long for them to be back.
“It is just not the same without them.
“It was important football came back in some way and our inestimable CEO Denise played a big part in that during the original discussions.
“It was great to see the role Everton played from the word go.
“Everton was at the forefront of, hopefully, making people’s lives a bit better.
“There is a lot to look forward to.
“The fans coming back – can you imagine what that is going to be like, our first day back at the blue and white palace, that is going to be extraordinary?”
Mr Kenwright identified Everton’s proposed move to a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as another impending highlight.
Instrumental in the ground move project and a critical driver in Everton’s growth and soaring ambition is Mr Moshiri, who will celebrate five years at the Club next month.
“He has never said, No,” said Mr Kenwright.
“He’s questioned, because we have a lot of restrictions to look at in football.
“But he just wants success.
“When you look at the new stadium… we couldn’t be without Farhad.
“Not only his wealth but his commitment.
“It has been more than essential and, personally, I am hugely grateful to him for his continuing support.”
