Everton need a mix of Ancelotti and Ferguson says pundit
Duncan Ferguson has received plaudits for his brief spell in charge of Everton following the club’s decision to sack Marco Silva and the 47-year-old is excited about the prospect of having a winning manager take over at Goodison Park.
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Ancelotti is also one of only three managers to win three European Cups/Champions Leagues and he has also collected multiple domestic cup trophies in a managerial career that began back in 1995.
The Italian is not expected to start his reign at the club until Monday, which means Ferguson will return to the dug-out one final time when Everton play Arsenal on Saturday.
And while he was understandably disappointed at seeing his players miss out on reaching the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, Ferguson feels he has established a platform during his brief spell in charge than can be built upon.
"I'm devastated for the fans not to get them a semi-final," said Ferguson. "It's so tough not to get over the line.
"There's a lot of disappointed players in the dressing room, a few tears. We need to take momentum from this but it's hard to take.
Everton news: Carlo Ancelotti is one of only three managers to win three Champions League trophies (Image: GETTY)
"We've got great team spirit now and I think it's something to build on.”
Leicester took an early two-goal lead after half an hour thanks to goals from James Maddison and Jonny Evans.
However, Everton rallied in the second half and Tom Davies’ volley setup a comeback with 20 minutes left.
And veteran left-back Leighton Baines rolled back the years when he thundered in a long range strike a minute into stoppage time to send the game to penalties.
However, two saves from Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel meant Jamie Vardy had the opportunity to score the game winning spot-kick, which he duly dispatched.
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And despite the heartache in the Everton dressing room after the game, Ferguson insisted his players now need to dust themselves off and prepare to host the Gunners at Goodison Park on the weekend.
"We've got a massive game on Saturday [against Arsenal] and we need to be up for it,” Ferguson continued.
"I'm proud of the work I've done but more proud of the players.
“They've given me every ounce of energy and I'd like to thank them for that."