Liverpool vs Everton: Carlo Ancelotti reveals ‘chat’ with Reds owner before Jurgen Klopp handed manager’s job

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he spoke to Liverpool about becoming their manager before they opted to go with Jurgen Klopp.

The Everton boss is preparing for his first Merseyside derby in the FA Cup on Sunday.

But the Italian might have already experienced the fixture several times had the Reds owners made a different decision back in 2015.

“When I left Real Madrid, I had a chat with the owner,” Ancelotti said ahead of his first opportunity to earn the Toffees’ first win at Anfield since 1999.

“They were looking for a manager but they made the right choice with Jurgen. He is doing fantastic work at Liverpool. Well done! Jurgen is my friend, a fantastic manager.

“This game is a risk, as we are playing the world champions. But this is a fantastic challenge for us. I played in derbies in Rome and Milan. I know how different this game is.”

The Reds breezed to victory over their city rivals four weeks ago with a 5-2 Premier League win, but Ancelotti has caught up with the match and assessed what his side cannot do when they meet again on Sunday.

“The defensive line of Everton was so high,” Ancelotti observed. “They put some balls behind and created problems.

“If you keep the defensive line high, they are fantastic in attack with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.”