Sky Sports pundit lauds Carlo Ancelotti after Everton shareholder accusation he ‘used’ club
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton exit was “painful” admits Kevin Campbell but it is hard for anyone to turn Real Madrid down and he’s done a “fantastic job” there.
The former Toffees boss defeated Liverpool in the Champions League final last week (28 May), to lift the trophy for a fourth time and add to his maiden La Liga win, after his Goodison resignation last summer led to the disastrous appointment of Rafael Benitez.
Ahead of the final, independent Everton shareholder Mike Parry had slammed the Italian on Twitter, accusing him of using the club and the “hapless” owner as a stepping stone, but Sky Sports pundit Campbell backs the former Chelsea and AC Milan boss despite the difficult circumstances.
“I think at the time it was a bit painful, for sure, of course it was,” he told Goodison News.
“Because Carlo kind of embedded himself into the culture. He’s a lovely man.
“But when Real Madrid come calling I don’t care who you are, you’re going to sit up and take notice, and it was just something he couldn’t turn down.
“Obviously he’s managed them before, went back there and look what he’s done, fantastic job of helping the team.
“And he’s got experienced players, and he’s got young players, so he’s going to try to see the transition of the team from the old guard to the new guard, to the youngsters.
“He’s that father figure isn’t he, that moulds the players, and chats with the players, and makes sure they’re in the right headspace.
“He’s done a great job but it has been difficult obviously for Everton because of his influence at the club, you were looking for him to build that foundation and then push on.
“Didn’t get the opportunity to.”
It is hard to argue with the decision to return to the Bernabeu now that Ancelotti has won his first league title in Spain and added a record fourth Champions League.
But considering the contrasting fortunes of the club and their former manager there may be some who begrudge him the success.
With how disastrous the Toffees’ season was that is understandable, but it is also unlikely that many at the club in one capacity or another wouldn’t have done the same thing last summer if the serial European champions suddenly offered them the keys.
In other Everton news, Fabrizio Romano says there are “serious possibilities” for a major exit from Goodison Park.
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