Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti insists morale amongst the players is rock solid.

After an abject derby display at Liverpool in the FA Cup, the new Blues boss revealed he was ready to deliver some home truths to his side.

But he said on Friday, "There was absolutely no argument on the training ground or in the dressing room. No, absolutely not, there was no criticism from the players.

“They listened, they agreed on the mistake that we could not play a good game (at Liverpool). I like to analyse the performance during the week and we all were not happy - they were disappointed we were not able to play a good game, but there was no argument, no discussion."

Ancelotti added: "A manager now has to be a psychologist - I have experience now for this. It is a way that I worked in the past.

“I have a good relationship with the players in this aspect, so I don't have problems. After the difficulties they move on against Chelsea and Manchester United - the last two games I think they were a little bit relaxed, this is normal but it is one of the aspects we can improve on."