CARLO ANCELOTTI revealed his incredible phone call to Real Madrid that sent Everton into a tailspin.
The Italian was Toffees boss for 18 months from December 2019.
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However, one innocent conversation with his old bosses at the Bernabeu trying to bolster his squad at Goodison Park changed everything.
Not only did it kickstart Ancelotti’s surprising-but-successful return to the Spanish giants – but it also helped set the wheels in motion for Everton’s recent woes.
Ancelotti, 64, said: “I called to see if I could sign players for Everton and asked if they already had a coach.
“I said they had to sign the best for Madrid.
“And I said they had forgotten about 2014.”
In 2014, Ancelotti had led Los Blancos to the long-awaited ‘Decima’ – their tenth European Cup or Champions League glory, 12 years after No9.
He was sacked a year later, though, and had spells with Bayern Munich and Napoli before being the shock replacement for Marco Silva at Everton.
Ancelotti led the Toffees to 12th then brought in the likes of James Rodriguez on a free transfer as well as Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Ben Godfrey all for £20million-plus in 2020.
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Everton finished tenth in 2020-21 and Ancelotti was keen to improve his squad again – after committing his long-term future to the club and vowing to lead them to their new stunning stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
But as he made the most of his illustrious contacts book to see if any Real Madrid players might be available, he inadvertently put himself in the shop window for Real president Florentino Perez to bring him back to the Bernabeu.
And so Ancelotti’s call hunting for players to trade Madrid for Merseyside ended up with the veteran making the reverse journey back to sunny Spain.
Things also took a bitter twist between the Italian and Everton when reports last June suggested he is suing his former employers in London’s High Court.
In three seasons since taking over from Zinedine Zidane, his longest stint at a club since he was AC Milan boss from 2001 to 2009, Ancelotti has enjoyed incredible success.
He has led Real to two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey, two Supercopas de Espana, the 2022 Champions League against Liverpool, the Uefa Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
And tomorrow, he leads out his side to face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in another Champions League final, as they eye a record-extending 15th Kings of Europe crown.
As for Everton, though, the club has been in disarray since Ancelotti’s swift exit.
Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard have been and gone through the manager’s office, with Sean Dyche providing some stability again.
Everton narrowly avoided relegation in the last three seasons – finishing 16th, 17th and 15th in the Premier League.
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Off the field, the club is in a mess financially.
They were docked eight points in 2023-24 for preaching Profit & Sustainability Rules and know they need to try and balance the books by June 30 to avoid further punishment next term.
Farhad Moshiri, the majority shareholder, can officially discuss a sale with interested buyers now that 777 Partners’ share purchase agreement has expired.
Crystal Palace shareholder, John Textor, is keen to pursue a takeover – which would see him sell his stake at Selhurst Park.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, told El Chiringuito de Jugones he will be forced into changing Real Madrid’s style next season once classy midfielder Toni Kroos hangs up his boots.
But thankfully for the ex-Chelsea and PSG gaffer, he has two of the world’s best players in his starting XI and battling it out for the Ballon d’Or.
Jude is more of a brother than a son… a lot of seriousness, a lot of professionalism, little ego
Carlo Ancelotti on Jude Bellingham
Ancelotti added: “We are going to adapt to the players we are going to have, this is non-negotiable.
“Toni wants to finish on a high note. I would also like to finish like this, raise the glass and say goodbye.
“He thought it was the right time and I respect him. It’s going to affect us a little, we have to replace him.
“We have an idea of how to do it with Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni. We may have to play more direct football.”
On the Ballon d’Or contest, he said: “It’s a fight between Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.
“Let’s see what happens in the final, and in the Euros and the Copa America.
“Jude is very mature, he is very serious, he does not look like he is 20 years old.
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“Jude is more of a brother than a son. A lot of seriousness, a lot of professionalism, little ego.
“Vini is a very focused person. He has suffered a lot from insults but he has always been very focused.”
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