Everton host Liverpool on Wednesday and this Merseyside derby could be huge in the grand scheme of things for Rafa Benitez and Everton. Everton’s dreadful run of form hits new lows every week and if the Toffees receive another hammering, Benitez could come under extreme pressure and criticism.
The players need to step up and reenergize themselves before going into the game. Due to the current scenario, this by far could be the most important game of the season. This fixture has added weight to it considering it’s the Merseyside derby.
Everton were winless in the last decade in the derby until last season. During the 2020-21 campaign, the Toffees picked up four points out of six in the two fixtures and registered their first win since 2010. If the Royal Blues manage to avoid a loss, Everton will have gone four straight derby games without a loss.
Rafa Benitez spoke to the press and highlighted the magnitude of the game. A positive result could be the turning point and can charge the players’ confidence. He added that despite the poor run of form, the team will do better when the key players are back in the first team.
Everton boss Rafa Benitez talks about Merseyside derby importance
"It is a massive game for us, we are on a bad run and need to start winning and a derby is always an opportunity to put things right. I am really conscious of what the derby means to everyone and excited because I want to do well.As a club and a team, it is really important to bring back the confidence and play at the level we were at the beginning of the season. If we do it on Wednesday, I don’t need to say anything [to the players]. It will be massive for everyone and a crucial point for us in terms of bringing back the confidence.If we cannot do it, we have to be sure we are strong enough. I have a lot of confidence in this group of players because they give everything. I am sure we will do better, especially in the second half of the season, if we have players coming back, or can make additions in January… and the fans will be happy at the end of the season. (via club’s official website)"
Against Brentford, Everton seemed toothless in attack as Salomon Rondon and Alex Iwobi had extremely underwhelming displays. The return of Richarlison after suspension does boost the attack and Everton will be expected to be more incisive in the attack against the Reds.
Nonetheless, this fixture could turn the Everton fans more toxic and angry if results don’t go Everon’s way and if the club can manage to do what seems to be unthinkable at this point, there will be an eruption of joy among the supporters.
Could a negative result have serious consequences for Rafa Benitez?