Arne Slot shares what he hopes not to experience at Goodison in Everton v Liverpool
Arne Slot is gearing his Liverpool team up to play the last ever Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
The Reds may have a better squad on paper than their Merseyside counterparts, but after their recent defeats against PSV and Plymouth Argyle, David Moyes’ men have shot at beating their arch-rivals in this latest encounter.
While Merseyside derbies occur each season, this one is particular special given it will now officially be the last one to ever be staged at Goodison Park.
Everton are often at their best when they face Liverpool, so the fact they’re going into the game in a good run of form – albeit with defeat to Bournemouth in the FA Cup last time out – also plays in their favour.
Arne Slot shares what he doesn’t want to experience v Everton
Before the 2024/25 season got underway, the Dutchman’s appointment at Liverpool turned a few heads.
Slot had led Feyenoord to one of their most successful runs in recent memory and has since shown how good of a manager he actually is.
However, as derby games often require a level-up in performance, it could end up being a difficult affair for both sides.
Which is exactly what Slot said in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game.
“It definitely tells you how difficult it is for both teams to win. David Moyes did incredibly well but in the last few seasons, they were not competing for top four anymore,” he said in quotes relayed by the Liverpool ECHO (11 February).
“Normally Liverpool get more points against teams around Everton. That tells you how difficult it is.
“I know derbies are always difficult. Fans bring the best out of players. I have experienced this many times but I hope I don’t experience it tomorrow!”
David Moyes needs his team to be on top form v Liverpool
There’s no denying that Moyes’ arrival has helped turn things around at Everton massively.
When Sean Dyche was in charge, it felt like they had a one-way ticket to the bottom three and had no way of getting out.
In fact, when the former Burnley boss was in charge, it felt like the Toffees didn’t know what the back of the net was with the likes of Jesper Lindstrom and Dominic Calvert-Lewin failing to bag themselves a goal on more than one occasion.
However, that theory has since been debunked after they beat fellow relegation battlers Leicester 4-0 in January.
If Moyes and his team want their names imprinted in the Goodison Park history books forever, Wednesday’s game against Liverpool could be the way for them to do it.
Players such as Beto and even new boy Carlos Alcaraz will have to step up and prove their worth to fans, with this a chance to truly transform a season that at one point only appeared to be heading one way.
And after Liverpool’s shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth last time out, it presents a chance to somewhat derail their campaign.