The last time in the 1980s, when they competed for triumphs in the English league, the “Merseyside derby” between Everton and Liverpool players was as watched as it is now. On Saturday, in the 5th round of the Premier League, the city’s rivals will face as the current leader of the table and at the same time the best-shooting team of the competition and the defending champion.
“The derby that has been watched for at least thirty years has not been. What can entice fans more than a match between the best team on the table and the defending champion?” said BBC Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp.
Everton, who finished 12th last season with a 50-point loss to Liverpool, started the season in first place. He won all seven duels, four of them in the league, including a very valuable 1-0 victory at Tottenham. Although his city rival from Liverpool was also one hundred percent after three duels, when he dealt with Chelsea (2: 0) and Arsenal (3: 1), but in the last match at the Aston Villa he suffered an unexpected debacle 2: 7.
Therefore, during the national team break, Klopp sent a motivational e-mail to all his charges to throw the loser behind and focus on the match, which is the most important of all for Liverpool fans. “The boys set out to represent their countries, so I had to email them what had accumulated in me after the Aston Ville game and what awaits us on Saturday. Everton became another good challenger for Liverpool and we must not disappoint the fans again,” said the German coach.
Since joining Liverpool five years ago, it has not happened to Klopp to lose two league games in a row with the team and he believes that he will extend the respectable balance even after the match in Goodison Park. He will stand against the very successful Italian coach Everton Carl Ancelotti, whom he considers one of his coaching role models.
“It’s never been a secret what I think of Carl. I have a lot of respect for him, he’s a great person. And when I heard last winter that he was going to sign a contract in Everton, I knew we’d have another strong opponent.” He did a perfect job this summer, finding exactly the players he needed to improve an already good team. They’re really strong now. “ Klopp admitted.
Alongside Everton rookies Allan, James Rodríguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure, forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin got into excellent form, dominating the Premier League scorers with six goals and a total of ten times this season.
“He’s a key player. I used to expect him to grow into a top player in the next few years, and that’s what happened. He is also supported by top wings James and Richarlison, which is a huge offensive force. In addition, Allan and Sigurdsson have very good technical players in the middle of the field, it’s a joy to watch the whole team, “ added Klopp.
Everton beat his biggest rivals for the last time on the day exactly ten years ago. Since then, he has lost to Liverpool eleven times and has drawn 11 times.
–
