Ancelotti digs Everton out for ‘forgetting’ two basics; confirms double exit talks

Carlo Ancelotti Everton

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said that he felt “so disappointed” after his team lost 2-0 to struggling Newcastle at Goodison Park.

The Magpies’ long run without victory came to an end on Saturday thanks to a Callum Wilson brace.

The striker delivered Newcastle’s first Premier League win since December 12 to lift them nine points clear of safety.

However, Everton‘s defeat cost them the chance to move back into the top four.

“We are not happy. The key point was that we didn’t have the same spirit as Newcastle,” Ancelotti told Match of the Day (via BBC Sport).

“I know we have quality. The good run in the past is because we showed fantastic spirit on the pitch.

“We tried to play with quality today, but quality alone is not enough. You have to play with motivation and ambition – I think we forgot all these things at home today.”

Ancelotti made changes following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester. Indeed, he fielded an attacking side that looked like it could be full of goals.

Callum Wilson TEAMtalk

However, the Italian manager added that his team did not have chance to fully recover from midweek.

We played Wednesday night and didn’t have time to recover,” he said.

“I brought in four or five players, so the reason was not tactical or physical. It was only mental.

“Our next game is a good opportunity to be back with our usual attitude. I’m so disappointed for today, but I cannot forget that this team has done really well.”

Ancelotti confirms double exit talks

Meanwhile, the Italian manager also confirmed (via Twitter) that Everton are in talks about letting Bernard and Cenk Tosun leave the club.

Both players have been linked with moves away in the January transfer window.

Indeed, striker Tosun has said that he would be willing to move back to Besiktas and find more game time.

On potential incomings before Monday evening’s deadline, Ancelotti said that his club are “not desperate”.