Everton defender Michael Keane says Carlo Ancelotti’s method have created a strong mindset and maintain a pursuit of European football.
Keane scored the winning goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesdays as they move four points behind league leader Manchester United.
The Italian’s tactical manoeuvring caught Wolves off-guard and, revealed Keane, Everton’s players didn’t learn of the ploy until late in the day.
“We didn’t know until a couple of hours before the game that we would be playing that formation,” Keane told media.
“That flexibility, with players moving to different positions, shows the manager’s experience and that he knows what is best.”
“We have 100-per-cent trust in him and when it gives us results like the one on Tuesday that trusts grows.”
“Everyone was gutted to not get anything against West Ham – but that is where our mentality has changed.”
“We have a strong mindset and know we have to bounce back quickly after disappointing results.”
“It is the same if we concede a goal, we need to react the way we did at Wolves.”
“Winning doesn’t make up for West Ham because we are setting ourselves high standards.”
“But Wolves is a tough place to go and getting that result makes us feel good and will grow belief even further.”
Keane further stated that they have the mix of experience and youth an also have confidence from defensive performances they have had.
“There is a good mix of experience and youth, we have pace and players who are good in the air, so it is a back four with a bit of everything,” said Keane.
“We gain confidence from the defensive performances we’ve had.
“Wolves scored one and we could probably have done a bit better on the second phase of a set play [Neves scored after the ball was returned into the box when a free-kick was partially cleared].
“But we were solid again.
“Lads have come in and played other games and been just as good as those playing now.
“It is really important the full squad are involved and that is what we have.
“We didn’t have time to work on our game plan for Wolves and I thought the lads were brilliant.
“We got the early goal, then conceded, but reacted well and controlled the game for large parts and took our chances when they came.”
On netting the clinching goal 24 hours after his birthday, Keane added: “It was a nice late present
“It is a special feeling when you score, especially when it is a winner.
“I was in a hotel on my birthday so couldn’t do much
“The best way to celebrate was by scoring and winning.”
