Jordan Pickford has talked up Sunday’s Merseyside derby as a “massive” occasion, insisting Everton are ready to take on a Liverpool side he believes remain dangerous despite an inconsistent season.
The clash will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs at Hill Dickinson Stadium, adding extra significance to an already charged fixture. Pickford was under no illusions about what awaits: “We’ve got a big game against Liverpool – the reigning champions. They’re obviously not having the best of seasons this season, but they’re still a threat.”
“It’ll be a massive game – the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson.”
Coming off the back of a point at Brentford, Pickford confirmed the squad’s mindset heading into the weekend: “We got a point [against Brentford] and we take on Liverpool next. It’ll be a massive game – the first Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson.”
Far from fearing the occasion, the England goalkeeper says the players are embracing it. “It’s a game we’re looking forward to,” he said, before outlining the disciplined, game-by-game approach the manager has drilled into the squad.
“We’re taking each game as it comes and focusing on the next game we’ve got. That’s what the manager is telling us to do – just take each game as they come.”
With Europe still in Everton’s sights and six games left to play, Pickford knows a derby victory could prove pivotal:“We’re taking each game as it comes and focusing on the next game we’ve got. That’s what the manager is telling us to do – just take each game as they come.”