Ancelotti wants fringe Toffees to seize their chance
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has called on his whole squad to pull together and help the club achieve their goals this season.
The Toffees travel to Newcastle today having been top of the Premier League table heading into the weekend.
Defeat at Southampton last time out ended a fine run of form for Ancelotti’s men – who will be without summer signing and talisman James Rodriguez.
The Colombia international will be rested, while fellow for ward Richarlison is suspended – as is full- back Lucas Digne following his dismissal in the loss at St Mary’s.
With captain Seamus Coleman also absent due to a hamstring complaint, Ancelotti will have to shuffle his pack against Newcastle.
That could see the likes of 19- year- old Anthony Gordon come in to the side and, when asked about the midfielder, Ancelotti insisted all of his players had to be ready to play their part – no matter how small their role might be.
“The fact we have players out – it is important to know the quality of the squad,” said the Italian.
“There is an opportunity for other players to play and show their quality to help the team stay at the top.
“Anthony Gordon has the same possibility to play as the other players in the squad.
“It doesn’t matter if you play five minutes, you have to help the team in those five minutes. This is what really matters, not to be in the first XI.”
Steve Bruce stressed defensive organisation was being prioritised as the Newcastle head coach admitted his side had let in too many goals for his liking in the early stages of the season.
While Bruce was enthused by the improved showing at Wolves recently, Newcastle rarely threatened in forward areas and were a touch fortunate to came away with a point after Jacob Murphy’s late free- kick salvaged a 1-1 draw.
Bruce says he would prefer a bolder approach, but because Newcastle have only kept one clean sheet in six Premier League matches this season, shipping 10 goals, he is putting a greater emphasis on his side’s defence.
“Look, we’d all love to play in a free, open, flowing game and play two or three up top, but when we open ourselves up we concede, there lies the balance,” said Bruce.
“Yes, we’d love to be a bit more adventurous but we can’t expect to score two and three every week and that’s what we’re having to do. We’re conceding far too many.
“We have to do the basics well, defend well and that was more like it against Wolves.”