Carlo Ancelotti plays down Everton’s title bid ahead of Manchester City clash / Digne expected back in January

Ancelotti plays down title

Everton have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season which sees them sit second in the Premier League table. Despite a small dip where they only won one game in seven, Carlo Ancelotti and his team have managed to recover and have now won four league games in a row.

Being second in the table, naturally there has been questions as to the possibility of a title challenge from the Toffees. However, Ancelotti has been quick to play down these claims saying that the club are very focused to achieve their target of qualifying for European football next season.

“No, I think realistically, we have to say no. We are really pleased to be where we are, but I think that our target hasn’t changed. There’s a lot of competition in the Premier League and a lot of fantastic teams. We’re happy to be second, but our target is to play in Europe next season. That hasn’t changed,” he said.

“We have to be honest with ourselves; we’re not of the same level as some of the teams. We would like to be as soon as possible, and we’re working towards this, but if you ask me today I would say we have to be honest about it. After one year, we have progressed really well and we would like to improve further next season.”

The success of the side has been much down to both their signings and the performances of the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Everton brought in James Rodriguez, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ben Godfrey during the summer window and the signings have been a big success ever since their arrival.

If Everton do hope of achieving European football next season, these signings and their star striker will need to continue this rich vein of form.

Digne expected back in January

What has been one of the more miraculous achievements considering where Everton sit in the table is the structure of their defence. Ancelotti has been forced to play four centre backs across the back line with Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate playing as unorthodox left and right backs.

Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne have faced fitness issues throughout the season but the Frenchman is reportedly closer to a return than earlier expected. Thinking ahead of Everton’s match with Manchester City, the Italian coach confirmed he has been surprised about the speed of the Frenchman’s recovery.

“Lucas Digne [should be back] at the end of January. Ge’s progressing really well and he’s starting individual sessions and we’re really surprised about his recovery,” said Ancelotti.

With the January window approaching, it would be likely that Everton look to pursue a possible full back signing who could even play on either flank. Everton fans should be be encouraged by the positive signs of the previous window in their hope of further additions in the coming weeks.

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Source: 101greatgoals.com