EVERTON v LIVERPOOL BIGGER THEN EL CLASICO
Koeman warns derby hatred is rife but players must keep cool
Ronald Koeman claims the Merseyside derby is a bigger game than El Clasico – and it’s built on HATRED.
And the Everton boss starred for Barcelona in many grudge clashes against their deadly rivals Real Madrid. The Dutchman also has experienced Holland’s fiercest game between Ajax and Feyenoord. But he bel ieves tomorrow night’s f ixture between the Toffees and city r iv a l s Liverpool eclipses all others. The Ever ton ga f fe r had to
Tom Hopkinson
re- dress his Christmas tree last week after club fans gave him flak him for using RED baubles and tinsel.
That reminded Koeman the depths of feeling between the fans ran deep.
He said: “The rivalry, the hate, the loathing, I didn’t just notice that this week.
“I have tasted that from the moment I arrived.
“People keep telling me, ‘As long as we beat Liverpool’. Even the red balls on our Christmas tree caused a storm.
“It is special that two such massive clubs are together in one city. In my eyes Everton is as big a club as Liverpool.
“The only advantage they have is that they are a bit more famous worldwide because of their history. But that won’t count when we are facing each other on the pitch.”
Koeman has vast experience of grudge matches.
His goal for Barca against Real in January 1994 – a stunning free-kick – is in the top 10 goals in El Clasico history. He said: versus “Barca Re a l used to bring out the best of me. It was really special. But I’m looking forward to being part of the Merseyside derby.
“Everybody has told me it’s the biggest of them all.
“The art is for a player not to get dragged into the emotions on the pitch. In these derbies emotions tend to take over.
“Nobody must be so stupid to get a red card. I want them to be cool, untouchable and deal with all the tensions.
“And they have shown me that character in the way they dealt with Arsenal last week.”
The Blues have not beaten Liverpool, home or away, since October 2010 – but Koeman is desperate to put that right.
And he insists his team are high on confidence following that 2-1 win over Gunners.
He said: “It’s time to beat them. Everyone in the team understands what we have to do to get more results.”
Gareth Barry, Leighton Baines and Mason Holgate all penned new contracts on Friday and talks have started with Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku.
Koeman said: “The board are calm and in control. When I came here I knew I could not sort it all in one summer and one transfer window.
“We are going to do more in January. Right now we are doing our homework and we will strengthen the team.”