Cup and league debate rears its head again as Carlo Ancelotti hints at Everton priority

Wed 10 February 2021 13:45, UK

Carlo Ancelotti has suggested Everton will attach more importance to their league standing this season than any success in the FA Cup.

The Blues have not won a major trophy since triumphing in the 1995 FA Cup and fans are desperate to arrest this run as a matter of urgency.

However while he has acknowledged the significance of the world’s oldest national football competition Ancelotti has stressed Everton’s league ranking is of more value ahead of Wednesday’s fifth-round meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

Everton

As reported by the Guardian, Ancelotti said: “To win a trophy will be very important for the happiness but the stability of the club would be improved by reaching the European positions.

“With more stability we have more possibility to win the cup and other trophies. Stability is the base to have success.

“We fight to try to win trophies but at the same time we have look for the stability of the club.”

He added: “I don’t know if it is the right time this season.”

Everton

Aim for the stars, Carlo

Blues supporters won’t thank Ancelotti for these comments.

As previously mentioned the long-standing trophy barren run is one that has eaten away at the club for decades and the majority of people associated with Everton rank silverware as the number one aim.

It looks like the boss sees things differently and favours a lofty league finish over cup success this season.

However his team selections in the previous rounds do not give the appearances of someone who is willing to give the FA Cup easily.

Ancelotti named strong FA Cup starting XI’s v Championship strugglers Rotherham United and Sheffield Wednesday in January with the likes of James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne starting both games.