Jordan Pickford has opened up on his "complete" respect for Carlo Ancelotti while addressing being benched against Newcastle earlier this term.
A few eyebrows were raised in November when Everton travelled to the North East to take on Steve Bruce's side, with the Blues boss making a surprise team selection.
England's No.1 was named on the bench for the first time in a Premier League match since his move to Merseyside, with loanee Robin Olsen making his debut for the club.
The Sweden international couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss for Everton on that occasion but put in an impressive display on a personal level, which he has taken into subsequent appearances for his new side.
While there was a certain amount of surprise among the fanbase to see Pickford on the bench, the goalkeeper understood the decision.
The goalkeeper told evertonfc.com : “The manager’s knowledge of the game and what he has achieved are brilliant.
“I have complete respect for him. He does everything for the right reason.
“With any of the lads [rested, left out or nudged to improve], there is a reason behind it. It is the manager saying, he wants more because of what he thinks of me.
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“If he doesn’t say anything, that is probably when you know you have a problem. You respect his decisions."
Pickford and Olsen have chopped and changed on numerous occasions in the months since that match, and have both contributed to improved defensive fortunes for Everton recently.
The 26-year-old admitted that he would play every match if he could, but he appreciated the honesty of what Ancelotti told him ahead of the Newcastle game in particular.
“I’d play a match every day if I could," Pickford added.
You never want to recharge. I just want to go and play football. Hunger is never a question for me.
“That is why it is the manager’s choice and it [rest at Newcastle] was a great decision, I think.
“Everything he told me about why he did it, he came out and said publicly. It shows his honesty. You can believe in what he is saying."
