Carlo Ancelotti has warned Jordan Pickford that his Everton form must improve.
Pickford’s recent performances for the Blues have been largely erratic and were typified by last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Ancelotti held face-to-face talks with the England international in the run-up to Thursday’s visit of Aston Villa in efforts to reaffirm the standards required.
The Everton manager revealed that Pickford took on board his constructive feedback and outlined areas where the goalkeeper needs to sharpen up.
“He’s not doing well. I spoke to him about this yesterday,” said Ancelotti.
“There is absolutely no problem. For the quality that he has, and he agreed, he has to be better.
“He has to be focused on himself, on his performance, day by day to be better. I’m not so worried because he has quality, he has character.
“But I have to say to him, and I did say to him, that he has to improve.
“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.”