In fullRead Jürgen Klopp's Merseyside derby programme notes
Read Jürgen Klopp’s programme notes ahead of today’s Merseyside derby with Everton at Anfield.
The Reds host the Blues in the Premier League as Sean Dyche’s side cross Stanley Park to renew rivalries following the October international break.
Get your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield today or at our online store here.
“Welcome to Anfield for the Merseyside derby against Everton,” writes Klopp. “I think I am right in saying that this will be Sean Dyche’s second derby as Everton manager, and I would like to extend this welcome to him and his staff.
“This is a day when Sean will be in the blue corner, and I will be in the red corner, but there will also be respect – the kind of respect that comes from a proper rivalry and knowledge of the challenge that we will both face.
“What Sean has done in his time at Everton is clear. Not only has his work helped the team to stay up, he is continuing to provide stability while at the same time imposing an identity which has seen Everton’s form improve in recent weeks. The wins over Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Brentford are testament to this so we should expect Everton to arrive with confidence and with their usual desire to give Liverpool a knock.
“For us, it is about getting back to winning ways. It seems a long time ago now because of the break for internationals, but from a results perspective our last two fixtures away to Tottenham and Brighton were disappointing because we took just one point when I think anyone who was watching would feel that we deserved more.
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Watch on YouTube“Yes, we know better than most that certain things went against us, in the Tottenham game especially, but knowing this will not improve our points total. The only way we can do this is by winning games, so it makes sense that we do so at the earliest possible opportunity. In football there is never any time to waste.
“This particular fixture brings its own unique challenges, of course. I have not seen as many Merseyside derbies as a lot of people from the city of Liverpool, but in the eight years I have been here I have experienced enough to know the importance of playing football. That might sound obvious but when passion is involved that message can sometimes be momentarily forgotten but the only fight that is needed in this game is the fight to play football.
“Yes, I want intensity. Yes, I want desire. And yes, I want an absolute will to win. You cannot play a match like this – or most other games – without these qualities. But the key is using these factors to play the best football that we possibly can. If we can channel our passion the right way we will definitely improve our chances of getting the right result. There is no question about that.
“This is a special rivalry. Again, this is not in any doubt. I have been asked many times if I agree that it is the friendly derby and, trust me, when you are as close to the action as I am it is sometimes hard to align that idea with the games that I watch. But I think what makes it different is that the people know what matters most and have a way of coming together which is, to use that word again, special.
“I was reminded of that earlier this week when I was told about an Everton fan who is running 26 marathons in 26 weeks to raise funds for Macmillan after his brother, a Liverpool fan, was diagnosed with bowel cancer. That is the spirit of this city and of this rivalry. We have families that are split but at the same time they are together.
“So on behalf of Liverpool FC, I would like to wish Jack Dowling the very best of luck with his marathon challenge and also to let Tom Dowling know that he has the support of everyone here.
“I know there is a lot at stake but hopefully we can enjoy the game. We spend a lot of time during the week preparing for this match, although not as much as I would like this week, and our supporters look forward to it so much, so it makes sense that when we are together at Anfield we use every single second as best we can whether we are in the stands, in the dugout or on the pitch.
“This is a challenge that we all share so it is up to us to embrace it.”
- Get your copy of the matchday programme at Anfield today or at our online store here.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.