GRADING QATAR WORLD CUP 2022 KITS PART 2
Carlo Ancelotti played Robin Olsen in goal for the 2-0 win against Leicester on Wednesday.
But after the Swede kept a clean sheet at the King Power Stadium, Jordan Pickford was restored to the lineup against Arsenal on Saturday.
Everton News spoke exclusively to former Toffees goalkeeper Nigel Martyn about the situation between the sticks.
He said he’s not seen a situation like that before, but trusts Ancelotti to manage the situation expertly, given all his years of experience.
“I didn’t hear of Pickford having an (injury) issue,” said Martyn. “And then he brings him back. It’s a bit like ‘you’re confusing me now!’
“It’s not like he’s an outfield player and you just rest him. You wouldn’t like it, because I guess you would feel your place is slightly under pressure.
“He did it at Newcastle and Robin Olsen played well. He’s capable of doing it, which puts more pressure on Pickford. If it happens once, that was maybe a kick up the backside.
“Now it’s happened again, I’m a little confused because I don’t see any of the other goalies – Schmeichel, Lloris – missing a game.”
“It’s going to be an ongoing thing and the only way Jordan can close it is by stringing performances together,” Martyn continued.
“If you’re Olsen, you’re thinking ‘the manager quite likes me’. If he plays really well in the EFL Cup quarter-final, he’s knocking on the door.
“Ancelotti is a very experienced manager and that is a really, really good appointment. I’m not going to question what he’s doing because I’m pretty sure he’ll be talking to both those goalkeepers about the situation.
“They will know what is happening and what’s expected of them. I’m relaxed with it but it’s for the goalkeeper, whoever it is to take their opportunity.”
Ancelotti has enough experience to manage his goalkeeping situation well, as Martyn says.
It’s an interesting one to keep an eye on, to see whether the Italian settles on a first choice, or keeps bringing in Olsen for the odd game.
