Carlo Ancelotti says Everton boast the infrastructure and intent to fulfil the Club’s ambition of winning trophies and competing in Europe.
Manager Ancelotti’s knowhow and assured leadership have revitalised Everton in a relatively short timeframe.
He was appointed in December 2019 when Everton were 16th in the Premier League standings.
Ancelotti’s side visit West Bromwich Albion on Thursday targeting a win which would lift them into fourth position at full-time.
That accelerated progress, in the Italian’s view, owes a lot to the backing of owner Farhad Moshiri and the Club’s Board, who supported Ancelotti’s recruitment plans last summer.
And the former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss is optimistic more new faces will join recent additions Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Rodriguez, Ben Godfrey and Joshua King at Goodison Park in time for 2021/22.
“We hope to be better for the future,” said Ancelotti.
“This is the ambition. We have a dream to play in the new stadium, to play in Europe and be competitive and win trophies.
“The way is quite clear and it is important to put in the right idea and effort to follow this way.
“This club is really well organised, it has everything to compete at the top.
“We improved the squad this season, bringing in really good players, and we want to improve the squad for next season, also.
“The people working here, and the players, are really passionate for the Club.
“When you live here you can feel this, the players are really involved and focused on bringing trophies to this club.”
Everton followed a convincing Merseyside derby victory 12 days ago by beating Southampton on Monday to close within two points of fourth-placed West Ham United.
A ninth away win of the campaign at West Bromwich on Thursday, then, would result in a significant jump and position Everton firmly in the European fight with 12 games remaining.
As straightforward as that equation sounds, Ancelotti appreciates gaining three points at The Hawthorns will prove rather more complex in practice.
West Brom have developed a stubborn streak of late, igniting their survival bid with a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, following draws with Burnley and Manchester United.
“We have to expect a tough game and we have to be worried,” said Ancelotti.
“To be worried means you have to take care.
“West Brom competed really well against Manchester United, they beat Brighton and are fighting against relegation.
“Every game in the Premier League is really complicated and if you are not focused you are going to lose.”
Ancelotti welcomed midfielder Allan back from injury for the victory over Southampton, while there was a first start in four matches for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
England international Calvert-Lewin, who has 18 goals in all competitions this season, delivered a consummate centre-forward’s display after recovering from a minor hamstring complaint.
Allan, the Brazilian signed from Napoli last year, completed 90 minutes following 75 days sidelined with his own hamstring problem.
“Allan gives us intensity and really good tactical knowledge and experience, these are the things we want from him,” added Ancelotti.
“For Dominic, he needs to keep consistency, it is important he works with the team.
“He is going to score goals because he has that quality and he has to keep consistency in his performances.
“The win against Southampton was really important, our home run was not good enough.
“It keeps us confident for the next games and helps our ambition and motivation.
“We want to play in Europe next season and be more competitive in the Premier League.”
