Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he has not implemented sweeping tactical changes to his Everton side during lockdown.
The Italian took charge at Goodison Park in late December just before a hectic festive period, giving him little time initially to work on his system on the training pitch before each match.
However, with the Premier League suspended for over three months, Ancelotti was asked whether he has used the time away from football to introduce new tactics to his team.
But, the manager confirmed he was sticking by the system that was implemented before lockdown was introduced across the UK.
Ancelotti remarked: "No tactical changes, no.
"In this period we were in contact with players showing them some video, giving them some physical training to do at home, but nothing special.
"We are not going to change our strategy, we are not going to change our style. Until the end of the season, we follow the style in the games before the lockdown."
Everton went into the extended break from action in disappointing fashion, being humbled 4-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
That performance is something the manager is very keen to show his side have drastically improved from.
"Lockdown was good for us only for this reason," Ancelotti added.
"We didn't forget that result of course, and we didn't forget the performance. We were working on that performance.
"I hope that we can show a different ability and a different quality in this game."
Everton took part in an intra-squad friendly match at Goodison last weekend in preparation for this weekend's derby.
Despite teams setting up matches against other sides during the break, that idea was considered not the right move for the Blues.
Ancelotti confirmed: "We didn't have a lot of players, I didn't want to take a risk."
Earlier this month it was also announced that Everton's squad, the manager and the board of directors had agreed voluntary wage reductions and deferrals.
The Blues say that for the "next three months" some players will defer 50% of their wages in an effort to help with the club's cash flow as they come to terms with the financial impact caused by the coronavirus.
And Ancelotti believes that it was right for this move to be made.
The boss concluded: "It was a voluntary decision.
"In my personal opinion it was right to try to help all the people that we need in this particular period of time. That's it.
"It was the correct decision. The club and all the people that are working in the club are showing a lot of unity, also the club is working really hard with the local community with the Blue Family campaign.
"We are happy to be involved."
