Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want Everton to be relegated
Speaking in a press conference, as quoted by the Mirror, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want Everton to be relegated from the Premier League as he enjoys the intense rivalry between both the Merseyside teams.
This rivalry is one of the oldest in English football. Those that reside in the city even see a split between Red and Blue within their own households, showing how closely knit the two clubs are in the town’s culture.
Liverpool are still fighting for a quadruple in this term. Even if it looks difficult to achieve, they are the only English team that can achieve it in this campaign.
The situation looks entirely opposite for Everton. Having won only eight matches in 32 Premier League games, the Toffees remain 1 point clear of the relegation zone. To avoid relegation, Frank Lampard’s team must battle a resilient Burnley and make sure they finish at least 17th.
And apparently, Klopp doesn’t want to see the city rival relegated next season as he believes the Merseyside derby is a crucial match in the Premier League fixture. Given it is an added headache for us in the calendar- taking into account the intensity with which Everton play against us- perhaps Klopp is just being diplomatic with his statement.
“These games have nothing to do with the table. It’s a great game, and I honestly hope they stay in the league because the Merseyside derby should always be on the fixture list.”
The German manager added that he had enjoyed every derby he has been a part of since becoming the manager of Liverpool. In a way, Klopp is also right. He, like the people of the city, shares a passion for football and it doesn’t get more intense than a Merseyside derby- something which adds to the aura of the Premier League.
“It’s always intense for me, at times too intense. We played a lot of derbies that I wouldn’t miss, to be honest, because they’re over the top.”
What kind of effect would Everton’s relegation have on Liverpool?
Things have gotten out of hand quite a few times during the Merseyside derby in earlier seasons. Both teams approach the game as if it was a cup final- knowing that their reputations and bragging rights are at stake in this game.
Jordan Pickford’s wild tackle on Virgil van Dijk arguably derailed our entire campaign last season while Ramiro Funes Mori’s lunge on Divock Origi severely injured the Belgian star. Thus, avoiding such a game means not having to worry about facing our fiercest rivals at least twice in a season.
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However, Jurgen Klopp seems to have a different take on the derby, as do several Reds fans. Football becomes boring without excitement and intensity, which is not ideal for the supporters. Thus they wait for such clashes and enjoy them with all their heart.
One can argue that a lot of shine has disappeared from the Tyneside derby ever since Sunderland were relegated from the PL. If the same thing happens with Everton, football may lose one of its greatest ever rivalries- at least in terms of the frequency and intensity with which it is played.
