Carlo Ancelotti admits he is taken aback by the depth of feeling Evertonians have for their club.

Italian Ancelotti has been in charge at Goodison Park for 16 months following decorated spells at a handful of European glamour clubs.

The 61-year-old considers the ovation he was given by supporters prior to his first match, against Burnley, on Boxing Day 2019, among the highlights of an illustrious career.

The majority of Ancelotti’s Everton tenure has coincided with the coronavirus pandemic and football being played behind closed doors.

But physical separation hasn't prevented the Club's ardent fanbase from making its mark on the former AC Milan and Real Madrid boss.

“The Evertonians really love the shirt, the sense of belonging of Everton supporters is really strong,” said Ancelotti.

“It is difficult to compare with any other club.

“The passion [is normal], everywhere, you are loved and you are criticised by the fans.

“But the Evertonians’ [instinct] is more to love, to love the club and the players and the shirt.

“They have a special feeling with the shirt and, managing the Club, you feel this.”

Ancelotti’s immediate objective is to secure European football for Everton next season.

That challenge, he insists, is no different from trying to claim a Champions League title with Madrid or win promotion for Reggiana, Ancelotti's hometown club and where he reached Serie A in his first post a quarter century ago.

“Everywhere is a big challenge, every club has its own targets to achieve,” said Ancelotti.

“Football is what I like. It is not pressure or stress.

“I understand my job is stressful... you have a lot to do and to manage.

“But when I wake up in the morning, I am going to do what I like.

"This is the engine for me.

“It is not stressful at all, when I am at home, I like to watch football.

“I have a calm and quiet character and that helps me be patient and take the right decision when things are not as I like.

“Maybe, sometimes you are wrong, but this character helped me manage situations that happen every day.

“Every day you can have a problem that can make you angry, but with patience you can solve the problem.”

Ancelotti maintained Everton have achieved a season-on-season improvement this term, a statement supported by all available evidence.

Everton have 52 points with six games remaining, surpassing the 49-point haul they managed in the entirety of 2019/20.

They’ve had 10 away victories in a league campaign for the first time since Howard Kendall’s team won 10 of 21 on the road when claiming the Club’s ninth league title 34 years ago.

Additionally, poor sequences at a number of top-flight grounds have been put to bed.

Indeed, while stating the two European Cups he won playing for AC Milan and three Champions League successes as a manager count as standout career moments, Ancelotti added: “To win at Anfield as an Evertonian is a fantastic moment”.

Ancelotti reiterated his desire to win silverware with Everton – part of the “clear project” of which he is a fundamental part – and acknowledged the need to “step up” another level to compete with the strongest Premier League teams next term.

And after underlining a stated desire to manage Everton at their new Bramley-Moore Dock home from 2024, Ancelotti speculated on how the futuristic stadium will positively impact the Club.

“Goodison Park has a fantastic history and will stay in the heart of Evertonians,” added Ancelotti.

“But to have a new stadium, with new areas, where people are more comfortable, will be fantastic.

“It will be fantastic, also, for the improvement and development of the Club.”