Everton manager David Moyes has declared he feels genuine sympathy for his struggling city rival Arne Slot, the Liverpool head coach, but has insisted he is "not having" Slot's use of refereeing decisions as an excuse for the team's recent woes.
Historic Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium
The first-ever Merseyside Derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium will take place on Sunday, with Everton entering the match full of belief. The Toffees are just five points behind their rivals and have their sights set on European football qualification.
In stark contrast, Slot's English champions have managed only three victories in their last ten fixtures. Another defeat would see them equal their highest number of losses in a single season, highlighting a significant downturn in form.
Moyes Defends Slot but Challenges Narrative
When questioned about whether he sympathises with Slot, especially given some Liverpool fans' lack of faith in his ability to reverse the team's fortunes, Moyes responded emphatically.
"Absolutely. He has done a brilliant job. And I have got to say he is a really good coach – that is from a neutral point of view," Moyes stated.
"But I'm not sure I'm having him saying they are getting bad decisions at Anfield because if you ask any Premier League manager over football history, they will tell you that if there is one club that gets all the decisions, it is Liverpool Football Club."
Moyes elaborated, pointing to a perceived historical advantage. "So if they are finding a few bad things at the moment, well, we have had to put up with them for years, every time we go there. But as a coach, I think he's a top coach."
The Everton boss added a pointed remark for Liverpool supporters: "I actually think Liverpool supporters would agree with that if they were honest as well! There are very few decisions that go against Liverpool at Anfield. Very few."
On the Fickle Nature of Football Management
Reflecting on the volatile nature of managerial careers, where one can swiftly transition from hero to zero, the experienced Moyes shared his perspective.
"I'm getting a bit older. I have had all that. I've been there and done it. You know, I could start next season with six defeats and you will be saying I'm rubbish!" he remarked.
"There is very little balance and realism in the job in some ways. Arne Slot won the Premier League last year. He's probably got to make a few changes and take a bit of time if the players don't settle in straight away. It's a bit like us."
Moyes then turned the focus to expectations for his own club. "What does the next level look like for Everton next year? If you are saying 'you should be in the top four or five!' then I would be saying 'hold on, wait a minute! You're wrong.' It's very difficult."
He concluded with a philosophical note on the league's competitive nature. "Some managers are doing amazing jobs. But there is no way we have a Premier League without someone losing. It's going to be someone in focus every year."
Slot Remains Confident in Liverpool's Future
Meanwhile, Arne Slot has reaffirmed his belief in a bright future for Liverpool, expressing confidence that next season will not mirror the current campaign's struggles.
"Just compare us with the start of the season and where we are now, compare the players we have signed with the start of the season and where we are now. I see a difference, in a positive way," Slot asserted.
He pointed to specific factors he views as anomalies. "All these things now – will there ever be another season where we concede so many goals in extra time? I don't think that is even possible, so that would even add six, seven or eight points to our total. Will we ever have a season with so many injuries again?"
"You can't rule it out but it is not realistic to have so much bad luck. And I can factor in even more things this season," Slot added, suggesting misfortune has played a significant role.
The Liverpool manager highlighted recent performances as a positive sign. "The main thing is how we were able to compete against Paris Saint-Germain after only having two days off, with them being rested for a week, how we have been able to compete against the other quarter-finalists here at home."
Slot remains optimistic about future prospects. "Then you see that with doing the right things in the summer and not being as unlucky as we were this season. Then we can even have a better season."
He also contextualised their cup exits. "And the reality is that we went out in the FA Cup and the Champions League against in my opinion the two best teams in open play at the moment with two incredible managers (Manchester City and PSG) so that is also the reality that we have been unlucky with the draws."
The Reds travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium days after their elimination from the Champions League, adding further pressure to this crucial derby encounter.
