‘Derby is a chance to put things right’
BULLISH RAFA EYES TURNING POINT
THERE is already talk of derby defeat being catastrophic, the unique pain of local humiliation enough to get struggling managers sacked.
Rafa Benitez, with his faith in his methods, refuses to see it that way, despite the ominous form of a Liverpool side that have scored an average of three goals per Premier League game this season.
For him, the Merseyside derby is an opportunity, an emotional contest where fans forget recent turmoil, forget dismal performances and even forget a mistrust of their formerly Red manager.
Benitez knows the rivalry of the derby will get fans supporting the side where before they had been quick to turn on under-performing players. And that, he believes, offers the perfect chance to turn Everton’s season around.
“I hope they will get behind us – it is a derby, and I’m sure they will be behind the team,” he said.
“The fans are crucial and the main thing for us. They know how they can make the difference.
“You could see the atmosphere in the first game.When they were behind the team, the team was reacting.
“They will realise how important they are for the players.
“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.”
That brings so much pressure of course, especially against a side who have made short work of struggling opponents this season.
But Benitez says he feels no negativity about the prospect of facing his former club in such form.
He said: “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, then I don’t need to say anything to the players about how important it is. It will be massive for everyone and a crucial point for us in terms of bringing back confidence.”
Everton’s fans booed in their dismal 1-0 defeat at Brentford on Sunday and abused the players at the end. Benitez was both measured and calm as he told the Blues supporters they should acknowledge the effort of the players, even if they know results are not good enough.
“We have to be sure we continue supporting, we continue behind the team, we continue pushing,” he said.
“If the players are not playing well, or the tactics are not good enough or whatever – you can complain about that.
“But at the same time, they cannot complain about the commitment of the players, the desire or the effort. I am sure we will do better, especially in the second half of the
season.”