Jordan left out as Carlo says he isn’t always first Pick
CARLO ANCELOTTI has warned England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford he will sit on the bench again despite promising him a return against Manchester United.
The 26-year-old was rested for yesterday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle after enduring a difficult few weeks, during which he hit the headlines for the challenge on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk which left the defender needing knee surgery.
Sweden international Robin Olsen was handed a debut in his place at St James’ Park with Pickford having been assured he will return next weekend.
However, asked after the game if Olsen’s performance had complicated matters, Ancelotti said: ‘No, absolutely not. Why is it complicated? Not for me. For whom is it complicated?
‘He played well and I can say to you he’s going to play again – but not for the game against United.
‘In my career, I am used to rotating the goalkeepers. It happened at Real Madrid, also at Napoli.
‘It will not be the last time, of course. He can play in the Premier League, in the cup. He is a goalkeeper everyone trusts.
‘This doesn’t mean that we don’t have trust in Jordan – we have a lot of trust in Jordan. There’s no doubt about this.’
Olsen’s bow ended in disappointment as he was beaten by Callum Wilson’s 56th-minute penalty, awarded for Andre Gomes’ challenge on the striker at a corner.
Wilson doubled his tally six minutes from time and although Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s eighth league goal of the campaign kept the game alive until the final whistle, there was no late salvation.
Ancelotti, who brushed off speculation linking him with a move for Real Madrid midfielder Isco, added: ‘The game changed when we gave them a penalty and after that, [it] was difficult and complicated. We had a good reaction but it was not good enough.
‘After the first goal, the game is completely changed. It was exactly what happened last week against Southampton.’ Toon boss Steve Bruce said paying Bournemouth £20million for Wilson was a snip as he moved on to six goals.
‘He’s certainly value for money,’ he added. ‘I think that’s the second or maybe third goal he’s scored in the six-yard box. He’s there and I think that’s the difference.’