Carlo Ancelotti has refused to confirm whether Jordan Pickford will start in goal for Everton against Newcastle United tomorrow.
Pickford was heavily criticised for his performance in the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Leicester City on Wednesday night.
Many believed that the England No.1 was at fault for the Foxes second half equaliser, with Youri Tielemans’ low effort somehow creeping past the Everton goalkeeper.
And when asked whether Pickford, who was dropped for the reverse fixture against Newcastle back in November, would start tomorrow, Ancelotti said he was still thinking about it.
"I am not in the habit of giving the line-up during the press conference,” the Everton boss said.
“Pickford didn't play vs Newcastle [earlier in the season] for normal rotation."
Before he continued when asked if Pickford would start tomorrow: "I don't know. I have to think about this."
Everton brought in Robin Olsen during the summer transfer window from AS Roma to challenge Pickford for the No.1 spot.
And Ancelotti believes the arrival of the Swedish international has given Pickford extra motivation this season.
"He did a mistake, I think we can say that,” the Everton manager replied when asked about his goalkeeper's error against Brendan Rodgers’ side.
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“But this doesn't change for me, for his teammates, the confidence that we have [in him]. There is absolutely no doubt on his quality and on his motivation"
Before he added on his goalkeeping options: “I think there is good competition there and the signing of Olsen helped him to be more motivated and also with less pressure."
