Duncan Ferguson has revealed how both he and Everton's players jump to attention whenever Carlo Ancelotti speaks.
After guiding the Blues through a three-game unbeaten spell in the Premier League as caretaker manager in December following Marco Silva's sacking, the Scot was named assistant by the Italian following his appointment at Goodison Park on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Between them, Ferguson and now Ancelotti have accumulated more points than Silva had amassed this term before his dismissal and although the former Everton centre-forward has enjoyed filling in his 60-year-old gaffer when it comes to background knowledge on his new employers, Ferguson acknowledges that Ancelotti's standing within the game ensures that everyone takes note of what he has to say.
Ferguson told The Times: “Obviously it is early days. But you pick up things like how calm he is. How direct he can be.
“He has that lovely way about him where he can be your friend, be nice and relaxed, and then [Ferguson bangs the table] once he says something the players are jumping to attention. As am I.
“Because you want to listen to him, don’t you? He has done it as a player and as a manager.
“He’s out on the training ground every day and he’s very hands-on.
“We wanted a world-class manager at Everton and, my God, we have got one. He is one of the best managers who has ever lived. He has won everything.
“To have him at our football club is a tremendous honour, and I am sure it is an honour for him as well.”
