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Neville Southall has opened up on Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Everton manager and why he believes his relationship with Duncan Ferguson will be key.

The Italian was confirmed as the new Blues boss towards the end of December following the sacking of Marco Silva earlier in the month.

Ancelotti's time at Goodison Park got off to the perfect start with two wins in as many matches over Burnley and Newcastle United - but a loss to Man City and an embarrassing FA Cup exit to a second-string Liverpool have undoubtedly affected the mood.

However, one Blues legend believes the project on Merseyside is perfect for the 60-year-old, and his demand to win trophies will be key.

Southall told Brighton's official club website: "I always thought they were on track to change it anyway.

"They have got a new ground coming and the new owner hasn’t put all that money in just to come tenth. He has spent a lot so logic dictates that he will never be satisfied until he has won something.

"It didn’t work out with Marco Silva as manager for whatever reason so the owner has brought in a proven winner, who has lifted trophies wherever he has been.

"It’s a good project for Ancelotti and they have a manager with a high profile and a track record. When he walks into the dressing room, nobody can accuse him of not knowing how to win something."

Ancelotti took the reins from Duncan Ferguson, who had impressed during his temporary spell in charge of the first team.

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The coach led Everton through three Premier League matches against tough opponents in Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal - but managed to secure five points.

And Southall believes Ferguson tapped in to exactly what Blues supporters want to see from their side.

"We have had managers who have not really said they intended to win games. They talked about trying this or that, but Duncan gave the fans what they wanted," the former goalkeeper added.

"His team gave it a go and they put a shift in. Everton teams should reflect the city. It is a hard-working city with nothing given to you for nothing.

"If players don’t do their best, the fans see straight through you. Duncan told them to do it for the fans and the fans would be with them, and they were.

"Ancelotti also keeps things simple and trusts players to do what they do best. You only get things done by building relationships and knowing how to manage players, not by telling people what to do every five seconds.

"Players can be over-coached until they are drained of ability. Let people be what they are.

"Some coaches feel they always have to be justifying their jobs rather than being good judges of what different players need – who needs a kick up the arse and who needs telling they’re doing great even if they’re playing crap.

"Footballers reflect society: some will do what they have to do every day, some don’t and a good manager weeds out the second sort over time."