Everton are now years on from Carlo Ancelotti’s departure as their manager, but the Italian coach is still discussing his time on Merseyside.
Fast forward to the present day and Everton find themselves in a solid position after the ship was steadied after the Friedkins’ takeover.
David Moyes was able to get the Blues back to winning ways at the weekend in the final game before the international break.
The Scot has enjoyed his return to Merseyside, with Everton targeting European qualification this season under the 62-year-old.
But there will be many left wondering what Ancelotti could have achieved at Goodison Park had he not departed so soon.
Now the manager of the Brazilian national side, Ancelotti has admitted what he was actually thinking when he was at Everton.
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Carlo Ancelotti shares his honest Everton thoughts
Ancelotti offered Jordan Pickford a lot of advice during his time on Merseyside, which may have proved invaluable to the England number one.
The 66-year-old has since departed Real Madrid to join the Brazil national side where he will be managing the likes of Richarlison.
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But speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Ancelotti has admitted he loved his time managing at Goodison Park.
“I had a good feeling at Everton. I was really happy at Everton. Also, if we had different team difficulties, but I think the start of that season was really good for Everton,” said the former Blues boss.
“And I was happy at Everton, honestly. Good atmosphere, good training ground, good people. But I couldn’t say no to Real Madrid.”
Duncan Ferguson and Ancelotti formed an unexpected friendship during their time together in the Everton dugout.
Fans will be delighted to hear the legend of modern football speaking so highly about his time managing their club, despite the abrupt departure.
Carlo Ancelotti’s record at Everton
Ahead of the move, Ancelotti urged Everton fans to create the same atmosphere at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That has proven to be the case, with the famous atmosphere from the Old Lady something that has stuck with Ancelotti since leaving the club.
Carlo Ancelotti @ Everton Total
Games 67
Wins 31
Draws 12
Losses 22
Points per game 1.6
Former midfielder Alex Iwobi has waxed lyrical about Ancelotti and the ‘aura’ which the Italian brought to Finch Farm on a daily basis.
Despite Everton being a big club, having a manager like Ancelotti at the time will have been a real shock to many.
And it is clear that the Toffees left something on the Italian that he will never forget.