Sport nationCarlo Ancelotti’s Departure Haunted Everton
Former Everton goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly has revealed that Carlo Ancelotti’s departure in 2021 brought back “demons” to Goodison Park. Kelly, who worked under Ancelotti, praised the Italian manager’s exceptional leadership and tactical nous, highlighting the significant impact of his departure on the club.
Kelly’s experience working alongside Ancelotti provided valuable insight into the manager’s methods. He was promoted to first-team goalkeeping coach in September 2019, three months before Ancelotti’s arrival. This proximity allowed Kelly to witness firsthand the transformation Ancelotti brought to the club.
“Carlo leaving had a massive effect on everyone because we had this incredible manager and there was hope,” Kelly said in an interview with The Athletic. “An exceptional man, as well as one of the best managers ever.” Kelly’s sentiments echo the widespread admiration for Ancelotti’s managerial prowess.
Ancelotti’s ability to put people at ease, allowing them to perform their jobs effectively, was a hallmark of his tenure. Kelly credited Ancelotti’s son, Davide, for his tactical expertise, which complemented his father’s leadership. This collaborative approach fostered a positive environment at Goodison Park.
However, Ancelotti’s departure to join Real Madrid in 2021 marked a turning point for Everton. The club’s trajectory since then has been marked by struggle and decline. Despite initial optimism, Everton has failed to replicate the excitement and promise of Ancelotti’s tenure.
The statistics are telling. Under Ancelotti, Everton finished 12th in the 2019-2020 season and 10th the following year, also reaching the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and EFL Cup. In contrast, the club has finished no higher than 15th in the Premier League since his departure and has battled relegation in recent seasons.
Off-field issues have compounded Everton’s woes. The club was docked eight points for breaching Financial Sustainability Regulations (FSR) last season, adding to the sense of turmoil. Kelly’s assessment of Ancelotti’s impact takes on greater significance in light of these challenges.
Kelly has worked under three permanent managers since Ancelotti’s departure – Rafa Benitez, Frank Lampard, and Sean Dyche. This experience has given him a unique perspective on the club’s struggles. “The way he came in, put people at ease and allowed them to do their jobs was incredible,” Kelly reflected. “When he left, the demons came back. You went from here [points high] to here [points low].”
This candid assessment underscores the lasting influence of Ancelotti’s management. His leadership and tactical acumen brought stability and optimism to Goodison Park. In contrast, Everton’s current struggles highlight the difficulties the club has faced since his departure.
Ancelotti’s legacy serves as a reminder of what might have been. His ability to inspire and motivate players was evident during his tenure. While Everton’s current predicament is complex, Kelly’s comments emphasize the significance of Ancelotti’s departure in understanding the club’s decline.
As Everton navigates its current challenges, the lessons of Ancelotti’s tenure remain relevant. His leadership and vision offer a template for success, one that the club would do well to revisit. Until then, the “demons” Kelly spoke of will continue to haunt Goodison Park.
In the world of football, managers come and go, but their impact can be lasting. Ancelotti’s time at Everton serves as a testament to this. While his departure was inevitable, its consequences have been profound. As Everton searches for a way forward, revisiting the successes of Ancelotti’s tenure may provide valuable insight.
The days of Ancelotti’s leadership may be behind Everton, but their influence remains palpable. Kelly’s comments serve as a reminder of the Italian manager’s enduring legacy. As the club charts its course, it would do well to remember the lessons of Ancelotti’s time at Goodison Park.
Ancelotti’s managerial record speaks for itself – three Champions League titles, among other accolades. His time at Everton, though brief, left an indelible mark. Kelly’s assessment is a testament to the respect and admiration Ancelotti commands within the football community.
In the end, Ancelotti’s departure from Everton was a turning point. The club’s struggles since then underscore the challenges of replacing a manager of his caliber. As Everton moves forward, it must draw on the lessons of Ancelotti’s tenure to reclaim its former glory.
The journey ahead will be long and arduous, but revisiting the successes of Ancelotti’s time may provide valuable guidance. Until then, the “demons” Kelly spoke of will continue to haunt Goodison Park, a reminder of what might have been.
Sport nation
Amina Umar