Speaking ahead of the 222nd Merseyside, the Northern Irishmen is happy with the current squad and hopes his side carry on their form in the Premier League.
“I’ve been involved in a few of the [derby] games now over the last two-and-a-half years and they are wonderful games to be involved in. They go so fast, they are full of emotion and the quality of the football at times is outstanding under real intense pressure.”
“They are incredible games to be involved in as a manager and for the players. We prepare really well for every game and this game is no different. We really focus on the details of the game and whether it’s at Anfield or whether it’s at Goodison, they are tough games.”
“Our momentum at the moment is at a real good level. We’re playing well and the balance in the team is really good. We’re defending well and we’re in a good moment. I’m happy with how it’s going for us, considering where we were at the first part of the season.”
“In these types of games the form goes out of the window. The derby games bring a different sort of emotion. At this moment in time, we as a team are operating at a really good level. So whether it’s home or away, we have real confidence that we can go and win the game.”
Everton are twelve points behind fierce rivals Liverpool after beating Crystal Palace last week, 1-0. The Toffees’ fear of being in a relegation dog fight are moving away following their win, they’re struggling for form. The fans are very cautious as their side are dropping crucial point, they sit in 12th.
“It was a difficult first part of the season for Everton,” said Rodgers. “They had a lot of games, but Roberto is an excellent manager. He’s done really well since he’s gone in there and he’ll be working hard to find the solutions and find the ways to get them back winning consistently.”
“We should have won the derby game earlier on this season. It was one of the few games in that opening period of the season that we played well in. We should have won that, but we’re hoping, going to Goodison, that we can put in a performance that allows us to win.”
Gerrard will face the Blue side of Merseyside for the very last time before he moves to American and play in the MLS for LA Galaxy. Rodgers is expecting him to step up to the plate and have another standout display, he insists the captain will prepare for the game like any other derby.
“I’m sure the [Everton fans] will be glad to see the back of him,” said Rodgers. “He’s been an incredible player for this club and played in so many of the derby games and been outstanding. He’ll want to go into the game like he does every game. He wants to win for his club and it will be no different his weekend.”
After signing for Liverpool in the summer, Can has shone in Liverpool’s resurgence to form, speaking to the Liverpool Echo Rodgers commented on Can’s glistening form and the return of star player Daniel Sturridge.
“I think £10million will prove to be a bargain for Emre,” Rodgers told the Echo.
“That’s the nature of the model here. We look to bring in players who we can develop.”
“Look at Daniel Sturridge. We bought him for £12million. What would Daniel be worth now?”
“Philippe Coutinho, £8million, what’s his value? What would Raheem Sterling be worth?”
“They come into a real coaching environment here and it’s my job to make them better players. That’s all you can do as a coach and a manager and then the performances will follow.”
“Emre is a big talent. He’s also a great learner and very good tactically for a young player. He has a big future ahead of him.”
Can has blossomed since being used as a centre-back and Rodgers believes the £10 million Liverpool paid Bayer Leverkusen for him last summer is already starting to look like small change and possibly a better deal than the deal of Sturridge.
“Emre had been on the radar for a while,” he said.
“The scouts did a great job identifying him as a potential young player who could come in and develop here.”
“I travelled to Germany a few times last year with (chief scout) Barry Hunter to have a look at him.”
“A lot of work went on behind the scenes. He was a top young talent coming through the system in Germany. He was always one who was leading the challenge and being pushed on.”
“Look at his pedigree, Bayern Munich was a great place to start. He only left there because he was a young player who wanted to go out and play.”
“Once I had travelled to Germany to sell this whole project then after that his people were pretty clear that he wanted to come.”
Quotes from Liverpoolfc.com and the Liverpool Echo
