It was unusual to receive a call from my good friend Mike at about 7:30 am while I was juggling nappies, toddlers and a mobile phone. I just about managed to make out from Mike that he was asking me if I was interested in attending a Zoom event with the University of Liverpool and Carlo Ancelotti the following evening. Naturally I jumped at the chance. As far as birthday treats go - the last of which in my 30s - it doesn't get much better than that! Thank you, Mike.

Fast-forward to the following evening and I shuffled to a quiet spot at home and logged in. The event was called The Lucrezia Zaina Bequest: In Conversation With Carlo Ancelotti. Lucrezia Zaina studied at the University of Liverpool between 1939 and 1947, before returning to lecture in French and Italian studies between 1964 and 1988, a legacy of her time at the university being an annual event in celebration of Italian culture. Professor Dame Janet Beer opened the event and, in welcoming Carlo, rightly stated that Liverpool as a city is proud to have him here.

Carlo began talking about his background, growing up peacefully on a farm, his father particularly helping him when he was younger with his calm and patient persona.

He then spoke about his rather stellar playing career and how he had to overcome knee ligament injuries in his early 20s. He spoke with pride of winning Seria A with Roma in 1983. "Mussolini was in charge the last time they had won the league. 40 years between titles so it was a big moment."

Carlo was asked if managing players had become more difficult in modern times. With typical Ancelotti modesty, he batted it back. "It's harder for players now. It is like a company, they have a lot more responsibilities and have to do a lot more things."

He was asked about the challenges faced with management in different countries. "Every country is different, the same way that every club is different," he said. "You learn from experiences of how to manage players. For example, French players can be a little lazy, the same as Italians, but this is from influences of the country. You have to take this into account, and these experiences have made me a better manager and a better man."

"It is important for players to learn the language of the country they play in. I found German very difficult to learn, but French and Spanish was a lot easier. English is difficult to learn also so I forced myself to learn. With Spanish and South American players it helps that I can speak Spanish to communicate the transmission of my idea. English people and players can be a bit lazy to learn a different language because everywhere you go people speak English."

Are football supporters alike in other countries? Not according to Carlo. "There are a lot of differences," he said. "There are different characteristics. In Italy they are passionate but this comes with fights and violence. English football doesn't go to violence. I never get insulted in England. I get insulted every day in Italy." Another thing he doesn't miss about Italy is the food, but not because he doesn't like it. "I don't miss the food because I am a good chef!" he declared.

One of the questions asked what Carlo likes about English culture. "I like the area (Crosby) a lot. People are always respectful when I'm out for a walk or on my bike. I like a peaceful life. It is more difficult to have this in Italy and Spain. Here and in Germany people respect your private life."

On to Everton matters and he was asked — What do you like about Everton? You couldn't help but smile at his response.

"I love Everton. I love the shirt. They are really nice people at the club. I like the project. They have really good tradition with their history and cups. There is a clear project towards a new stadium in 2024. We have improved and we will carry on improving. We have fantastic supporters. We have to be patient but, if we follow the project, we can achieve our goals. Next season we have to step up and improve again. It is difficult because the Premier League is very competitive."

And which modern day player would Carlo compare himself too? Spoiler alert, the answer may surprise you.

"I was not a top player. Not a top midfielder, but I was a good player. Tom Davies has the same characteristics. I had better quality technically, but he is a good player and is young and can improve."

Earlier in the call, he was asked about 2005 in Istanbul. Quite why they had to bring that up with him I don't know, though he managed to have the last laugh towards the end of the event in one of the concluding questions. He was asked if he has a stand out greatest moment in his career?

"A lot… Reggiana. It was my home team and to get them up to Seria A was my first achievement and is a great memory. And to win at Anfield with Everton was a great moment."

Carlo Ancelotti is the only Everton manager whose pre-match press conferences I make sure I catch. I really enjoy hearing from him. And to get a small flavour of this along with the many others who got to experience the event was quite a privilege, I'm sure all would agree.

I still sometimes find it incredible that Farhad Moshiri has been able to bring Carlo to Everton, and from the way Carlo talks so glowingly about our club, he's certainly in it for the long haul.