Everton boss David Moyes has paid tribute to his opposite number Arne Slot ahead of Liverpool's first trip to the Hill Dickinson Stadium - but isn't having his ref moans
David Moyes
Moyes isn't having Slot's moans at referees(Image: Getty Images)
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Everton boss David Moyes has told Arne Slot to stop moaning about referees ahead of the first ever Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday.
The two sides are separated by just five points going into the clash as Liverpool bid to finish in the top five to keep their place at Europe's top table.
But the Toffees have designs on a return to to continental football themselves and could leap as high as sixth with a win depending on results elsewhere over the course of the weekend.
Moyes paid tribute to his opposite number in the face of growing criticism following a meek title defence and an exit from the FA Cup and Champions League in the last week.
But the Scot isn't having Slot's moans about referees. "He has done a brilliant job," Moyes said. "And I have got to say he is a really good coach – that is from a neutral point of view.
"But I’m not sure I’m having him saying they are getting bad decisions at Anfield because if you ask any Premier League manager over football history, they will tell you that if there is one club that gets all the decisions, it is Liverpool Football Club.
"So if they are finding a few bad things at the moment, well, we have had to put up with them for years, every time we go there. But as a coach, I think he’s a top coach.
"I actually think Liverpool supporters would agree with that if they were honest as well! There are very few decisions that go against Liverpool at Anfield. Very few."
Moyes has earned plenty of plaudits for the job he has done since returning to Everton, but takes them all with a pinch of salt.
Arne Slot
Slot is under increasing pressure at Anfield(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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"I’m getting a bit older. I have had all that," he added. "I’ve been there and done it. You know, I could start next season with six defeats and you will be saying I’m rubbish!
"There is very little balance and realism in the job in some ways. Arne Slot won the Premier League last year. He’s probably got to make a few changes and take a bit of time if the players don’t settle in straight away. It’s a bit like us.
"What does the next level look like for Everton next year? If you are saying 'you should be in the top four or five!' then I would be saying 'hold on, wait a minute! You’re wrong.' It’s very difficult.
"Some managers are doing amazing jobs. But there is no way we have a Premier League without someone losing. It’s going to be someone in focus every year."
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