Carlo: We were lazy and slow

EVERTON boss Carlo Ancelotti savaged his players for not showing enough desire as they slumped to a surprising 2-0 home defeat by Newcastle.

The Blues were a far cry from the team that topped the table earlier in the season, with their renowned Italian manager accusing them of forgetting what had brought them success.

‘Newcastle won the game because they showed more fight and motivation,’ said Ancelotti, whose side were sunk by a late

Callum Wilson brace. ‘It wasn’t for tactical reasons, it was mental. I am surprised. We are happy with what we have done this season but we can’t forget the reasons how we did it,’ he added.

‘Without spirit, there is no quality. Today we were lazy and slow. We were not focused. We didn’t win duels and second balls.

‘We didn’t avoid corners or throw-ins. I said exactly that to the players in the dressing-room — no secrets.’

Ancelotti confirmed that winger Bernard and striker Cenk Tosun were missing from the squad in order to try and finalise moves before Monday’s deadline.

He urged the rest of his players to show a reaction to their defeat against Leeds on Wednesday.

‘I am disappointed. I hope it is only one game,’ he said.

‘I want to show our spirit in our next game. We are still in a good position in the table.’