Everton's Carlo Ancelotti backs Jordan Pickford after Leicester error
Carlo Ancelotti has said he continues to trust Jordan Pickford because of the Everton goalkeeper’s desire to improve in training every day.
The England international is back under the spotlight after his error gifted Leicester a point on Wednesday and blotted an otherwise fine defensive display by Ancelotti’s team. The Everton manager refused to confirm whether Pickford would keep his place against Newcastle on Saturday – Robin Olsen started when the teams last met in November – but said the 26-year-old retains his full support.
“I think Jordan – and every player – will improve if he has the desire to improve,” he said. “It does not matter if you are 20, 26 or if you are 30. You will improve at every age. The goalkeeper is a different position. All I can give to Jordan is the confidence and trust, even when he makes a mistake. It does not matter. It is a process. He is still a young player.
“It is important that he has to show every day and every game the desire to improve. And he will improve. No doubt about this. He is really focused on training. He is a funny guy. In the last period he felt less pressure on him. He is OK. No problem.”
Ancelotti has rotated between Pickford and Olsen because both keepers, he says, are at a similar level. Olsen is not expected to seal a permanent transfer from Roma before Monday’s deadline, although the clubs remain in talks over a summer deal. But third choice keeper Jonas Lössl has been told he can leave.
“When the quality of both is quite the same, I was used to rotating,” Ancelotti said. “I did it in Real Madrid, in Napoli, like I am doing here. I did it in Milan when I had Dida and [Christian] Abbiati– they were two goalkeepers I was pleased to keep involved.
“I have a lot of confidence in Jordan and Olsen. Jordan is younger but he plays a lot of games in the Premier League. Olsen is more experienced, maybe with less individual quality, but I think Everton is in good hands.”