Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti says Jordan Pickford must do better.

Pickford, the England No 1, has had an erratic time since the Premier League restarted last month.

"I don't know if he needs competition," said Ancelotti, whose side face Aston Villa on Thursday. "I know that he is not doing well. I spoke with him. He's not doing well. He has to be focused on himself, on his performance – day by day (he has) to try to be better.

"I'm not so worried because he has quality. He has character but I have to say to him – and I have said to him – that he has to improve. I don't know if he does or doesn't feel pressure; pressure is a part of your job. You have to feel pressure but pressure can be a good gasoline for your job.

"I – and everyone else at the club – has total confidence in his quality. It is true he can do better and he knows this because he is critical of himself. I hope there is improvement in the next games. I spoke to him (on Tuesday) about this.

"There is absolutely no problem (between us). For the quality that he has – and he agreed – he has to be better. My style is to have a direct relationship and direct communication with the players. If something is wrong I have to say clearly what is wrong."