Carlo Ancelotti gave a speech to Everton’s players after their draw with Arsenal.
Ancelotti signed a four-and-a-half-year deal on Saturday and was in attendance at Goodison Park for the goalless encounter between the sides.
The three-time Champions League winner will officially begin working with his new charges from Sunday in the run-up to a Boxing Day clash with Burnley.
But Duncan Ferguson, who will will work under the new Blues manager, revealed that Ancelotti delivered a post-match address to his new charges.
He said: “I only saw a positive effect in the dressing room.
“Of course before the game we knew they were bringing in an unbelievable manager. That was only positive from our point of view.
“He came in after the game and he made a lovely speech. It was fantastic how he spoke to the players. Everybody is on board.
“He said the team had a fantastic fighting spirit and showed a lot of energy and defended well but it was just an introduction really.
“I’m sure he was fairly proud of the team today and with him being in the stand it was going to give us a lift.
“That probably gave the team another 10 yards and helped us.”
Ferguson signed off from his spell as Everton caretaker with an unbeaten record in the four games following Marco Silva’s sacking on December 5.
And the Goodison legend admits he is relishing the prospect of working with Ancelotti despite being unaware of claims he will become assistant manager.
“It’s brilliant, fantastic,” added Ferguson.
“I’ve said from day one that we wanted a world-class manager and we’ve got one so I cannot wait to start working with him on Monday.
“I’ve not heard that (becoming assistant manager) but I have had a word with the boss and he looks happy with me and it looks like I’m still in a job.
“We go again on Monday and he’ll spell it out then what exactly he wants from me then.
“He’s incredible, I can’t wait. To get that on your CV, working for a guy who has won everything and I can’t wait to start learning again on Monday.”