Harry Diamond
Carlo Ancelotti has called for ‘character, sacrifice and personality’ ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside derby as Everton bid to end their wretched record against city rivals Liverpool.
Everton host the league leaders at Goodison Park on Sunday seeking a first victory over Liverpool in almost a decade, though they face a formidable challenge against Jurgen Klopp’s side who need just two more victories to be crowned as champions.
Ancelotti has called this weekend’s opponents ‘one of the best in the world’ but admits he is relishing the prospect of locking horns with Liverpool following the Premier League‘s enforced suspension.
“I feel good, the period was so long. It will be a very difficult game but it is a great opportunity to come back with a good result and performance,” Ancelotti said at his pre-match press conference.
“We have to consider this game as a great opportunity. It will be difficult of course because Liverpool are one of the best in the world, but we have to try”
The spectacle of the Merseyside derby will be markedly different amid the absence of supporters, but Ancelotti says his side know what is required for the fans ahead of a testing challenge.
“I know the Everton fans look for this game, we know really well what we have to do. We have to play a perfect game showing character, sacrifice and personality.”
Read – Richarlison stokes Merseyside derby fire with Virgil van Dijk comments
See also – Premier League refresh: Some of the best stats from the season so far ahead of the restart