Rafa Benitez has urged his Everton players to stay ‘really focused’ when defending against Liverpool’s front three in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, as he told his pre-match press conference.
The Everton boss was asked how his side are going to deal with Liverpool’s free-scoring front three, as he stated that the main thing is to do is go back to the ‘basics’ and be strong both ‘physically’ and ‘mentally’.
Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah will all seemingly start for Liverpool tonight, unless Jurgen Klopp rotates, with all three players scoring or assisting during their side’s past six games in all competitions.
And given that they are coming up against an Everton team winless in their last seven league games, with defensive fragilities all over the place, then it would be a surprise if Liverpool’s front three aren’t scoring again tonight.
Benitez was asked about Liverpool’s attack and how his side have to deal with their qualities.
“I think we have to stay really focused,” said Benitez. “We have to go back to the principle that we are defending as a unit. Solid. Compact. And together.
“After we try to play the best way possible on the ball and if you have to play counter-attack, then do it.
“So, I think the main thing is to go to the basic, the principle and that’s we have to be strong in defence. Physically and mentally.”
Everton fans will be hoping that given that this is a Merseyside derby then the actual occasion will make it a much tighter game than what might happen on paper.
There is a strong possibility that Liverpool can thump their hosts tonight and that Goodison Park atmosphere will be toxic if that happens.
The Toffees were stagnating and going nowhere before Benitez arrived and he isn’t exactly proving to be the solution to their issues so far.
Watford scored five at Goodison not so long ago, if those same signs are showcased tonight, then Benitez reign at Everton might just be short-lived.
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