Everton playmaker Bernard praises Carlo Ancelotti for inspiring recent good displays

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Everton playmaker Bernard has credited his recent run of good performances to a change in his role under Carlo Ancelotti.

Bernard told the club’s official website that Ancelotti has returned him to the role he played in his last two seasons at Shakhtar Donetsk, where he scored 10 goals in 2017/18 (Transfermarkt) before moving to Goodison Park.

He said: “I am really happy with my performances. Part of that [reason for his influence] is the freedom Carlo Ancelotti has given me to play. What the manager has asked from me is to look to find spaces between the defensive lines. The freedom Carlo has given me is enabling me to find these spaces.

“I played in that role previously. This is the way I played at Shakhtar Donetsk under Paulo Fonseca. Playing inside, you are closer to the goal, so more opportunities will come about; chances to shoot. I will look to create assists for my teammates but also have in mind the scoring opportunities which may come about.”

TBR’s View – Ancelotti a master of getting the most from his squad

Some critics said Ancelotti wasn’t the right appointment for Everton because the club needs a rebuilding job and the Italian doesn’t tend to do that.

What he does is find simple, practical ways to improve the talented players in his squad. While Everton may not have the quality of the elite sides Ancelotti has managed, the likes of Bernard prove there is considerable skill in the ranks.

Ancelotti has clearly made a tweak to Bernard’s role that the Brazilian is happy with. That has brought just one assist under the Italian so far, but Bernard clearly feels more is to come.