Despite Everton’s 2-0 loss at Chelsea on Monday night, Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that European football remains the ultimate objective.
The Toffees sit in sixth place after the defeat in West London, four points behind the Blues who occupy the final Champions League position.
Everton’s European Football Aspirations Remain Intact
What Monday’s Defeat Means in the Big Picture
A victory at Stamford Bridge would have seen Everton leapfrog Chelsea into fourth, but the loss and the manner of the defeat, suggests that the Blues will be seen as heavy favourites for a Champions League place.
The Blues are still without defeat under new manager Thomas Tuchel, a run that was extended to nine games against Ancelotti’s Everton. In fact, Chelsea are just four points Manchester United in second and if recent form is anything to go by, the Blues will be fully focussed on catching Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s side.
For Everton, Liverpool remain three points worse off, whilst Tottenham Hotspur have moved to within a point of the sixth-placed Toffees. Jose Mourinho’s side have won three successive Premier League matches to re-ignite their European intentions and will be looking to displace Ancelotti’s side in the coming weeks.
Carlo Ancelotti Not Allowing Everton’s Defeat at Chelsea Hinder European Football Aspirations
Ancelotti re-iterated in his post-Chelsea interview that they are still striving towards securing European football next season: “Our target is to be in Europe.” He said.
“If we are to be in the top four, it will be fantastic. But, our target is to be in the top six, top seven to play in Europe next season.
“This defeat doesn’t affect us because we are in the fight and, also, with this defeat. It is not the last chance, we have other chances we have to take.”
“That is what the table says and we have to be focused on the next games. These are the important games, the ones that are coming.”
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