Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti admits he doesn't have the players to play the way he wants.

A ninth home defeat, losing 1-0 to bottom side Sheffield United, equalled the club's worst league record with one match still to come at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

We are more comfortable when we play direct but that is not the best style of play," he said.

“We are a team with defined characteristics. We are strong without the ball and direct. I think one of the technical reasons of this home run is this.

“We don't have players of strong personality with the ball, strong quality with the ball.

“When we try to build up from the back we have some more difficulties because we play slow.

“We don't have the confidence with the ball compared to the confidence that we have without the ball.

“At home we have to try and play more attacking football but it doesn't work as well as direct attacking or counter-attack in the away games.

“It is really difficult to explain but I have to find a solution for this. Maybe, for next season, we need to try and have, for sure, a better squad.

“For next season, we are going to change. We have to analyse the season. Certain aspects are really good – away we did fantastic results, at home really bad. Double face."