BLUEPRINT

WOLVES v EVERTON Keane: Liverpool have given us perfect template for success Nuno’s new deal with shots as a celebration

MICHAEL KEANE claims bitter rivals Liverpool have signposted the way for Everton to challenge for top honours under Carlo Ancelotti.

Goodison and England defender Keane believes Everton are in the same position Liverpool were in five years ago when they were looking to gatecrash the European places.

The arrival of Jurgen Klopp changed their fortunes after years in the wilderness – and centreback Keane reckons Ancelotti can have the same effect on Everton.

“We want to compete at the top end of the league,” said the 27-year-old Mancunian.

“We know it will take a bit of time and won’t happen overnight, but we have seen from Liverpool that it can be done.

“Four or five years ago they were in our position, and with a bit of stability, good signings and a change of mentality they got there.

“So it’s something we will be looking to do and hopefully we can give Everton fans something to brag about in the next couple of years. What they’ve done has intensified our intentions massively.

“Ever since I joined the club the ambition has been clear that we want to be pushing to improve every year for Europa League and Champions League places.

“We want to build on that. Bringing in a manager like Carlo sort of solidifies that. Everything he has won – you look at his trophy cabinet and his experience and we couldn’t ask for a better manager.

“It’s been clear since Carlo came in that we have improved. We know we’ve got a lot of work to do. We need to keep improving.

“And I’m sure we will get there when the squad is strengthened in the next transfer window and the few after that. It’s exciting times for Everton.

“The manager is really getting the best out of a lot of the players he is working with and there has been a lot of improvement, both individuals and as a team.

“We are feeling positive going forward and we still want to try to push for Europe this season.

“We know it’s going to be tough after our last couple of results but we will keep fighting

NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is close to agreeing a new deal to remain in charge at Wolves.

Talks with the Portuguese boss have been ongoing throughout lockdown. And the finishing touches are now being applied to a contract that will run until 2023.

Nuno has taken Wolves from the Championship to the fringes of Champions League qualification during three years in which he has transformed the Molineux fortunes.

He has been helped by his agent, Jorge Mendes, sourcing some top quality players to the first-team squad.

The agreement is recognition of his work so far – and the news will be until the end and try to push on next season.”

Keane (right), who signed for £25million from Burnley three years ago, admires Liverpool’s title achievement – but says he is thankful that football’s lockdown limited the Kop celebrations.

“Obviously, it’s not nice for any Evertonian to see your rivals winning the league,” he said.

“Although Liverpool have been brilliant this year and achieved great things.

“I do think it has helped in the sense that there have been no fans allowed near or at grounds, and the celebrations were diluted, so it has helped our fans cope with it a bit better.”

Keane, meanwhile, has praised Everton for their response to the coronavirus pandemic and their support for the local community.

“Ever since I joined Everton it became clear straight away how much the club do for the local community and how much the people benefit.

“Whether that’s mental health or food banks – all kinds of good projects that we as players are happy to get involved with.

“Everton are the best around for that.

“It’s what makes this club so special, because it brings the players and the fans closer together.” greeted warmly at the Black Country club, and give his squad a muchneeded boost ahead of the league runin and the conclusion of their Europa League campaign.

Rumours Community

Wolves head into their clash with Everton on the back of two defeats following three victories after Project Restart got underway.

And they do so amid rumours that Daniel Podence, their £17million signing from Olympiacos in January, who has barely figured this season, is attracting attention.

Celtic head a list of clubs that have enquired about taking the winger on loan next term.

Nuno is eager to stop the rot – and a failure to post more than one shot on target in defeats by Sheffield United and Arsenal.

Nuno said: “Like Graham Taylor here, I want us to become a shooting team. We have produced situations, but not finished them. Why were we not able to produce as many chances as we would like?

“It’s not just about going forward, it’s about the defensive side also. We conceded three goals in the last two games, so we have to focus on that.

“Against Aston Villa we won lots of second balls. We didn’t against Sheffield United or Arsenal.

“So it’s not that simple to change it. It’s everything. We are trying to see where the problems are.

“It’s the creation, the building process. Is something missing in our counter-attacks, the passing, the finish, the last touch? We have to find it.

“But we do have talented, quality players, so these things will happen.”