The Everton skipper has addressed the Merseyside derby postponement and his fitness this season
Sport
15:00, 09 Dec 2024
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Everton captain Seamus Coleman was disappointed to see Saturday’s clash with Liverpool postponed. The inclement weather brought about by Storm Darragh meant the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park will now need to be arranged.
News filtered through on Saturday morning that the match had been called off as the region was battered by severe wind and rain.
Speaking on Monday about the decision, Coleman suggested that the midweek results - a 4-0 win for Everton against Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 3-3 draw for Liverpool at Newcastle United - could’ve given the Blues some momentum going into what would’ve been a historic occasion at Goodison.
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"It was disappointing," he said. "We don't know how the result would have went, but the little things like Liverpool dropping points midweek, us getting that win that we needed, kind of changed the tone going into the game a little bit. We were all looking forward to it and we were ready for it - the last Goodison derby.
"Disappointing...it happens. We've got to move onto Arsenal now. We've had to change the schedule a little bit - I'm sure we'll train a little bit harder today as well. It's part and parcel of it."
Everton won the previous meeting with their city rivals 2-0 on home soil back in April under the lights. And the postponement means there is every chance the game will be arranged for a night time slot that would be much more conducive to a better atmosphere.
Coleman will be desperate to be fit for the game, although his campaign has been punctured by injury issues so far. The veteran is back in training again and could be in contention for the trip to Arsenal on Saturday in the Premier League. However, he paid tribute to the excellent recent form of Ashley Young at right-back.
"I'm feeling good," Coleman revealed. "Obviously it's been a little stop start and I've still been around it as much as I can, trying to play my part."Listen Ashley Young has not been doing too badly. He's been fantastic - 39-years-of-age. Even at my age, I'm looking and learning from him - the example he is around the place, how he trains. At the minute that position is in good hands but thankfully I'm fit and well."
Coleman signed a new deal with the Blues last summer to keep him at the club for his final season at Goodison. It remains to be seen if the Irishman will lead the team into the new stadium at Bramley-Moore dock.