When Carlo Ancelotti took over at Everton last month, the Italian already had an eye on Sunday’s FA Cup third round Merseyside derby against runaway English Premier League (EPL) leaders Liverpool.
Ancelotti, at his previous club Napoli, managed to do what no other manager in England has achieved this season – beat Juergen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool lost 2-0 in Naples in the UEFA Champions League in September and followed that up with a 1-1 draw in the return game at Anfield.
That was the only time the Reds have not won at home this season.
The only other defeat for Liverpool this season came in the EFL Cup when the club were forced to play a youth team against Aston Villa.
This was due to their first team being on duty at the Club World Cup in Qatar.
“The Evertonians know my record against Liverpool, they will be happy with this,” Ancelotti said when he was unveiled as manager.
“It’s a big rivalry here and a big motivation for us. I have a really good relationship with Juergen Klopp. It is always exciting playing against them.
“Of course, I have beaten them, but they are not used to losing. It was a good day for me. I know how much Evertonians want to beat Liverpool.
“It’s not mission impossible, nothing is impossible in football,” he added.
