Carlo Ancelotti Sets Champions League Qualification Target For Everton

Carlo Ancelloti has set out a huge task for Everton which he wants back in European competition from next season and has required that as the minimum target from the team. 

Everton last made an appearance in continental competition in the UEFA Europa League two seasons ago and could not make it to the knockout stages after finishing third in the group stages. The team finished 12th in the Premier League last season. 

Being a three-time Champions League winner, Ancelotti trusts his team can fight through next season and come out as the toppers of the Premier League in their quest for Champions League qualification which he demands as their number one objective.

"I think that the goal we want to achieve is to fight for the first position of the Premier League to be able to reach Europe next season," he explained. "The goal is quite clear."

However, the Italian has worked on his team in the areas he deemed necessary to address with the signing of a couple of players this summer which includes a two-year deal worth £22million for former Real Madrid player maker James Rodriguez and Napoli midfielder Allan for £22.3million. 

Also joining the team this summer is Marseille left-back Niels Nkounkou, Matthew Pennington returning from a loan spell to Hull City, and Watford central midfielder Abdoulaye Doucore. 

"The club did a fantastic job because these players - James, Doucoure, and Allan - were the priority for us," he continued. "We were able to sign them and so we're really happy."