Simon Jordan unsure about Ancelotti since he arrived
Pundit Simon Jordan has said that Everton can’t consider their season a success following their 10th place finish in the Premier League.
Despite fighting for a qualifying space in Europe throughout the campaign, Everton’s final day loss to Manchester City saw them slump to tenth, having been overtaken by Leeds United and Arsenal.
Carlo Ancelotti will be determined to improve the quality in his squad once he is able to invest in the transfer market, however the Italian isn’t immune to criticism for the way in which he has managed the club over the last few months.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s Daily Podcast on Tuesday [12.20], former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan claimed that Ancelotti has hardly taken Everton forward.
Jordan said: “Do we say the Ancelotti effect is bearing fruit because they finished two places higher up the league, they’ve got 10 more points? So the Ancelotti effect, what is he 18 months into his job?
“I raised the point about Ancelotti about six months ago about ‘I’m not sure, I’ve not been sure since he walked through the door’.
“I spoke to somebody quite some time ago, someone very well known, that knows Ancelotti and questioned it, about the whole nature of his appointment and his motivation. At that time Everton were in a little bit of ascendancy, so I got a pile on.
“But I don’t think you can sit here as Everton fans and say that 10th in the league for Everton is a success.”
Touch harsh
Though Everton supporters might not rush to declare the recent campaign a success without the prospect of European football next season, it does seem especially harsh to criticise Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian has made questionable decisions at times and he hasn’t always been able to wield his options in the most effective manner, but it’s undeniable that the Everton boss lacks the requisite talent in his squad.
Ancelotti has managed top clubs throughout his career, almost always being in possession of high quality players and sizeable transfer resources to go after the players that he wants. He’s used to a certain standard, and Everton aren’t at that level.
Ancelotti was always likely to be a long-term appointment. He was seen as the man who could build something on Merseyside and eventually launch the Toffees into the Premier League’s elite. So far he’s had just one summer transfer window to do that.
It’s only fair to reserve judgement until Ancelotti is given more time to bring in the players that he wants who suit the way he wants Everton to play. Only then should supporters pass judgement.
In other Everton news, a pundit has backed the Blues to sign this “incredible” nine-goal attacker.
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