Carlo Ancelotti is confident that Bernard still has a part to play at Everton this season, despite failing to hand the play-maker a single Premier League appearance so far in 2020/21, while speaking to the Liverpool Echo.
Considering the former Shakhtar Donetsk talisman has been left on the bench for all four of the Toffees’ games so far this season, it feels unlikely that he will be suddenly thrust into the starting XI for Saturday’s Merseyside derby clash with champions Liverpool.
Especially with Richarlison producing perhaps the finest performances of his Everton career in Bernard’s favoured left-wing role.
But that is not to say Ancelotti does not envisage the 28-year-old claiming a key role going forward.
“I don’t see similarities with the other Brazilians I’ve trained, every one is special. I have confidence in him [Bernard] and in the future he is going to play,” says the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich coach.
One of Everton’s highest earners on £100,000-a-week, Bernard has been restricted to the odd EFL Cup appearance in recent weeks, although he was once again left on the sidelines during the 4-1 Fourth Round thrashing of West Ham United.
Reports had tipped Bernard to be reunited with his former Shakhtar coach Paulo Fonseca with a deadline day move to Roma earlier in October.
But, according to the Echo, the diminutive schemer turned down a potential £7 million move to the Italian capital after being given assurances by Ancelotti over his future at Goodison Park.
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