Press Conference: Carlo Ancelotti on Calvert-Lewin, Pickford, Manchester City and more

Everton are set to face Manchester City on Wednesday, as they will play their delayed Premier League match. The Toffees suffered a surprise loss at Fulham over the weekend and they will be looking to securing essential points this time. Ahead of the match head coach Carlo Ancelotti has talked to the press and provided injury updates on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jordan Pickford, James Rodriguez and more. Carlo confirmed Calvert-Lewin and Gbmain are out, while James Rodriguez is fit. He trained later today and Jordan Pickford trained yesterday.

Ancelotti says DCL and Gbmain are out. Rodriguez fit. Training later today. Pickford trained yesterday.

— Phil Kirkbride (@philkecho) February 16, 2021

“Calvert-Lewin is really important because he gives us the opportunity to play different ways," said the Blues' boss. "Without him, we lose some opportunities to play. We played really well without him and Richarlison against Wolves so I’m not too worried about the players that won’t play. "His return is a matter of days, we hope he’ll be available on Saturday.” On Josh King fitness, Ancelotti said: “His fitness level is ok because he trained normally at Bournemouth. He has to adapt to the team tactically but I’m happy with what he’s doing. "He is working hard and gives us all his quality and belief. For sure he’s going to start in the future.” When asked on the upcoming rival Manchester City and their head coach Pep Guardiola, Everton boss replied: "We have to play with efficiency when we have the ball. Most of the time, City are going to have the ball. We have to use quality in the time we have the ball. “I think the results coming from the quality of the players, from the organisation of the team, the fact Guardiola is working with them for a long time so they have confidence in this moment and a clear idea of football. It’s not only one thing. "It’s really difficult to compare. I can judge the work Guardiola is doing and did. I can judge his style of play, how he manages teams. For what he’s doing, he can be considered one of the best managers in the world. No doubt about this." Carlo also claimed that they are heading in the right direction. “I think we are in the right way. In one year, the squad improved. We have more stability and knowledge. Of course we have to improve. We are not at the same level as the top teams. How long it takes I don’t know but in one year the work was good in every aspect.” More on Everton ambitions: “It’s not the games against Man City that are going to decide our ambition. It’s still the same - to reach Europe. It’s easy to think we’re going to lose against City but in football, you never know. if we lose, our target is not going to change.” Source- Liverpool ECHO Join us on Telegram!

Match officials appointed for Everton vs Manchester City