Liverpool Ready for Battle in Last Ever Goodison Derby – Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has declared his team “ready for another battle” as they prepare to face Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

The Premier League leaders have found wins at their rivals’ ground hard to come by in recent years, with nine of the last 12 encounters ending in draws. Everton, now under the stewardship of returning manager David Moyes, will bid farewell to their historic home at the end of the season as they move to the 52,888-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Slot, who will be managing his first and last Goodison Park derby, acknowledges the emotional weight of the fixture and the challenge it presents for Liverpool.

“It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere, which always makes things difficult,” Slot said on Tuesday. “Every time Everton cross the halfway line or win a corner, the crowd will erupt. As an away team, you have to be mentally strong to withstand that energy and remain focused—whether it’s defending set-pieces or staying composed in possession.”

Despite the charged environment, the Dutchman is confident in his team’s readiness. “I assume our players are prepared for another battle because they have been all season,” he added.

With Everton in strong form—having won their last three Premier League matches to ease relegation fears—Slot emphasized the need for both mental resilience and physical intensity.

“Whenever you face a team that wants to fight, and Everton certainly will, you have to match that intensity,” he said. “You need to run just as much, compete in every tackle—without crossing the line—and be cool-headed but aggressive enough to impose yourself. Games often settle after 15 or 20 minutes, and then you can focus on playing football.”

Liverpool sit six points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, but their pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple was derailed by a shock FA Cup defeat to Championship side Plymouth on Sunday.

Reflecting on that loss, Slot admitted it was a major disappointment. “A wise man once told me, ‘Nothing good comes from losing a football game,’ and I completely agree,” he said. “The result was unacceptable, and the performance fell well below Liverpool’s standards. We need to show a different side of ourselves tomorrow.”

Liverpool could welcome back Trent Alexander-Arnold from injury, but fellow defender Joe Gomez will miss the game.