Farhad Moshiri, the outgoing owner of Everton, reflected on his tenure with the club, expressing curiosity about what might have happened if Carlo Ancelotti had stayed at Goodison Park. The Freidkin Group's takeover on Thursday marked the end of Moshiri's eight-year leadership. His time was marked by challenges both on and off the field, including relegation battles and financial instability.
Moshiri worked with eight permanent managers during his ownership, including Ancelotti from December 2019 to June 2021. Under Ancelotti's guidance, Everton achieved a 10th-place finish in the Premier League during his only full season before he returned to Real Madrid. Reflecting on this period, Moshiri suggested that Everton might have progressed further if Ancelotti had remained.

In an open letter to fans, Moshiri acknowledged that the team's performance on the pitch was not up to expectations. "I fully understand that, in football, results on the pitch are paramount and, over those same years, they frankly haven't been good enough," he wrote. He also mentioned bringing top managers like Ancelotti to Everton and speculated about potential outcomes if Ancelotti hadn't returned to Real Madrid.
Moshiri highlighted his efforts to modernise the club since purchasing it eight years ago. He invested significantly in a new stadium and training facilities while keeping season ticket prices stable. Despite these investments, he aimed to minimise financial burdens on fans by maintaining affordable ticket prices compared to other Premier League clubs.
The recent takeover has brought renewed hope for Everton's future. The Everton Fan Advisory Board (FAB) expressed optimism about moving forward after years of struggles with relegation threats and financial uncertainties. They emphasised that while change won't happen immediately, there is a sense of optimism about what lies ahead for the club.
The FAB stated that Thursday's announcement offers a chance for fans to look forward with renewed hope. They stressed the importance of clear communication regarding future plans and expressed eagerness to collaborate with new ownership in embracing Evertonians' passion and values.
Moshiri's departure marks a significant transition for Everton as they embark on this new chapter under different leadership. Fans are hopeful that this change will bring stability and success back to their beloved club while preserving its rich history and traditions.