Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp stressed the importance of keeping a “cool head” to his players as they prepare for the final Merseyside Derby of his tenure.
The Reds will make the short trip to Goodison Park to take on Everton on Wednesday evening for the last time before Klopp vacates his post as manager at the end of the season.
Both sides come into the game needing to win for different reasons. Liverpool are gunning for the Premier League title, while the Toffees are in the middle of a relegation battle.
“Super important for us and that is clear,” Klopp told his pre-match press conference. “Really important like all the other games but we know about the importance.
“I don’t know when my first derby was but I always knew how important it was. Now I know it and I feel it. My understanding has developed over the years but they are always difficult games, especially there [Goodison Park].
“There has been good results and good games over the years. High intensity.
“Goodison Park can create quite a good atmosphere as well. We will never get underestimated when we arrive there and that is what makes it more difficult. They always look ready for the game. We have to make sure we are ready for this one.
“You cannot compare the games of the past. It is just about playing football but the atmosphere is special.
“Derby fever will be in minds so we have to be cool and that is an important part in preparing for the game.”
