‘OUR SPIRIT WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE’

CARLO ANCELOTTI read the riot act to Everton’s squad last night and told them that he would not accept another repeat of this humbling by Wolverhampton Wanderers. It was not the biggest defeat of Ancelotti’s seven-month reign — 4-0 at Chelsea in March holds that dubious record — but the abject nature of the display left the Italian feeling hollow. He is not a man known for screaming and shouting, but Ancelotti was evidently infuriated by this 3-0 loss and the tone of his language at Molineux could not be confused. He made it clear that a repeat will not be tolerated. Ancelotti said: ‘It was a really frustrating day, a really frustrating performance. ‘The team did not show good spirit, it was more than about a technical aspect. ‘The spirit of the squad was not acceptable. We have to show in our last three games that we have a completely different attitude. ‘I do not want excuses. The performance was not acceptable. I have spoken to the players and told them. We have to change our mentality.’ Asked about keeper Jordan Pickford’s display, Ancelotti said: ‘I will not talk about individuals.’ Seamus Coleman refused to make excuses and said: ‘The attitude was wrong. We have been hiding behind managers for too long. ‘This manager will not accept a performance like that.’