Everton’s Allan reveals close relationship with ‘fantastic’ Ancelotti
Allan #Allan
Everton midfielder Allan has revealed that he has a close admirer in manager Carlo Ancelotti – and the feeling is very much mutual.
The Brazilian worked with Ancelotti while the Italian coach was the Napoli manager for 18 months between 2018 and 2019. He said Ancelotti was still helping him develop since the pair reunited on Merseyside.
‘Working with Ancelotti is fantastic. To work with someone who has won all the major trophies is marvellous,’ Allan told talkSPORT.
‘You learn a lot from him every day in training. I’m really proud that a coach of that pedigree, who has had such a career, likes me and admires my football.
‘Hopefully together, here at Everton, we can achieve the things this club deserves.’
Ancelotti made no secret of his desire to bring Allan to the Toffees and secured the £21million transfer in September. At the time, Allan referred to ‘Professor Ancelotti’ and said he had done ‘everything possible to bring me here’.
The Brazil international has flourished during his time at Everton and he is a key player for Ancelotti, playing in all but one Premier League match and completing 90 minutes every time.
To that end, Allan said he feels settled in English football. ‘The settling in and adaptation has been really relaxed and easy.
‘It’s not just my South American team-mates who have helped, my English team-mates have also given me a lot of help, and the club give you all the necessary support to do you job.’
On the pitch, Allan said his combative midfield style has prepared him well for the rigours of Premier League football.
‘The Premier League is a competition with a lot of contact, very competitive and very intense,’ he said. ‘Without a doubt, my game is suited to the Premier League style.’
Having made his name playing for Udinese and Napoli in Italy, Allan is hoping to learn from English football to improve his game.
‘I had great seasons in Italy in the Udinese shirt and with Napoli. I’m really happy with what I achieved there,’ he said.
‘I learnt a lot as a football player, but also as a person. I grew a lot from being in Italy and I hope I can continue this in England, playing great games for Everton and winning the hearts of the Everton fans.’
Allan’s defensive midfield skills will no doubt be critical as Everton seek to get back to winning ways against Burnley on Saturday.
After a flying start that saw them top the league for the first few weeks, the Toffees have lost four of their previous five games and sit in eighth place.