Carlo Ancelotti has called on Everton to sustain their recent momentum in the quest for European football.
Richarlison’s header at West Brom on Thursday saw the Blues record a hat-trick of victories and briefly occupy fourth place in the Premier League table.
They were later usurped by fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea, who edged out Liverpool at Anfield to move a point clear of Ancelotti’s side.
And the Everton manager insists that his team cannot afford to rest on their laurels if they are to succeed in reaching a continental qualification spot.
“I think we are there in the fight for European positions,” said Ancelotti.
“We have worked really hard to be there. Now we have to do a little bit more.
“This is our target. We have to step up. The position now is good but unfortunately, it’s not the end of the season.
“I feel really good. If I look at the table I’m really happy.
“We are pleased to be there, but we know we have to fight.”
Ancelotti acknowledged that some may be surprised to see Everton in such a high position in the table as they are at this latter stage of this season.
But he feels that to still be in the fight for a Champions League place after 26 matches is the least his team deserves for their efforts so far this term.
He added: “At the start of the season, no-one could say that after 26 games, Everton would be there in the top four or five.
“This is well-deserved for my team because they’re working really well.
“I don’t know if they underestimate us. It would be fantastic to follow this dream of the Champions League.
“Most of the players have not played one game in the Champions League.
“We are happy to be there in the fight.”