Harry Diamond
Jurgen Klopp says he is hoping to extend Everton’s miserable record in the Merseyside Derby when Liverpool travel to face the Premier League leaders this weekend.
The champions make the short trip to Goodison Park tomorrow lunchtime in one of the most intriguing derby clashes for several seasons, Everton currently sitting top of the division following an impressive start to the season that has brought four wins from four.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be in confident mood but face a Liverpool side who have enjoyed a stranglehold over this fixture in recent years, Saturday’s clash coming a decade to the day that the Blues last beat their city rivals in any competition.
Klopp, however, is paying no attention to the Reds’ formidable derby record ahead of what promises to be a fascinating encounter, but expressed his hope that Liverpool’s success continues in the coming years.
“It’s 10 years for them, long may it continue from my point of view,” Klopp told his pre-match press conference.
“But we’ve never once thought about it. We’ve never had that in our mind. We will be ready.”
Saturday will mark 1⃣0⃣ years since Everton last beat Liverpool.
The teams have changed a lot since! 👀
Who will win the Merseyside Derby? 🤔 #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/dfoqWJSwSN
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 16, 2020
Liverpool will be looking to bounce back from a stunning upset at Aston Villa prior to the international break, the Merseyside club hit for seven on a chastening and unforgettable evening at Villa Park.
Klopp says his side are well aware of the importance of the Merseyside derby as they prepare to do battle with Everton once more, though doesn’t feel the fixture has taken on added significance given Liverpool’s current lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“The derby is a big one in Liverpool,” he said. “I like to think the city is not 50/50. You won’t find one person who is not interested.
“I don’t know if it’s bigger because of the covid situation. This game is as important as ever but not more because of covid.”
See also – Five players who smashed it during the international break