Liverpool manager Arne Slot is set to experience his first and final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park as Everton prepare to move to their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next season.
The Dutchman took over from Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after the German’s departure but has yet to face the Toffees in a competitive match. The original fixture was postponed due to severe weather conditions last December, but the two teams are now set to meet on Wednesday.
This encounter could have significant implications for the Premier League title race. With a win, Liverpool would move nine points ahead of second-place Arsenal. Meanwhile, Everton, under David Moyes’ rejuvenated leadership, have improved significantly and are now nine points clear of the relegation zone, essentially securing their top-flight status.
Slot spoke about the atmosphere at Goodison Park ahead of the derby. He acknowledged that the game would likely see the intensity ramped up, especially as this would be the last derby at the iconic stadium before Everton’s move to their new home. Liverpool suffered a loss during their last visit to Goodison, and victories have been rare in recent seasons, with their last win at the venue coming in 2021.
Regarding the heightened atmosphere, Slot said, “I think the fact that this is the last derby at Goodison gives an extra reason for the atmosphere to be even more intense than usual. Although I haven’t been to one yet, I’ve heard that Goodison Park, like Anfield, is always full of energy. The home supporters are incredibly passionate, and the away fans are always vocal. It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere, and that’s never easy to play in, because every time the ball crosses the halfway line or a corner is taken, the crowd will be roaring in support.”
When discussing how his team will cope with the hostile environment, Slot emphasized the importance of mental strength. “As an away team, you need to be mentally strong to resist the intensity of the atmosphere,” he said. “You have to remain focused on what you need to do—defending set-pieces, staying calm when you have the ball, and keeping your composure in a charged environment. But it’s not the first time for these players to experience such atmospheres. I trust they will focus on their tasks, but it’s also about managing the emotions of the occasion. In our recent game against Plymouth, for example, I could see how the intensity of the tackles and the aggression of the players was influenced by the emotion in the stadium. We need to be ready for that.”
Slot also recalled the previous season’s derby, where Liverpool showed their readiness to compete despite early referee decisions. “I remember the match last year, where the referee blew his whistle 11 times in the first 10 minutes, with 10 of those decisions going in Everton’s favour. Our players were ready to compete, even if the refereeing decisions didn’t always go our way. I’m confident that our players will be ready for another tough battle tomorrow, especially as they’ve been preparing for this challenge all season and many of them have experience in this type of encounter.”
‘People tell me’ – Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes Goodison Park atmosphere claim ahead of Everton clash
