Marco Silva believes the Merseyside derby has “the power” to propel Everton’s development and his players should not fear Sunday’s visit to Liverpool.
Everton have not won any of the past 17 derbies or in 20 visits to Anfield in all competitions, the longest drought in the club’s history. Silva’s side, while improving, have lost at Arsenal and Manchester United this season and the manager admits a rare win at unbeaten Liverpool would herald a significant step forward.
“I agree about the power of this derby, it is a good word,” the Everton manager said. “Derbies are always special, special games and moments for the city and the people. What I want in my squad and my players is to fight for our goal. Sometimes in a derby it is not always easy to see a very good game with big quality but the power of one derby means you can see good things happen after one result. It could be very good for us. A good result for us could boost our confidence to a high, high level.”
Walter Smith was the last Everton manager to oversee victory at Anfield in 1999 but Silva does not believe their derby record should inhibit the team. “When you are doing something that is your passion – you are professional but you enjoy it – playing with fear, training with fear is not something you can do. How can you come with fear and without confidence to your job?”
