Slots insists he will keep cool in ‘special’ Merseyside Derby

Slots insists he will keep cool in ‘special’ Merseyside Derby

Arne Slot has insisted he will keep his cool during a ‘special’ first Merseyside Derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Liverpool travel to Everton for the first-ever derby fixture at the new home of their city rivals.

The Reds are aiming to end a three-game winless run in away derbies, with last season’s clash at Goodison Park ending in a dramatic draw.

Slot was sent off in the aftermath of the 2-2 draw, in which James Tarkowski thundered in a 98th-minute equaliser for Everton. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were also sent off for clashing at full-time, with Liverpool incensed by the decision to allow the goal to stand.

The visitors felt Tarkowski’s leveller should have been ruled out for a push in the build-up and Slot insists it was the officiating – and not emotionally-charged atmosphere – which led to his dismissal.

“It’s always a very special game. They are in a very good place at the moment,” Slot told the media on Friday.

“It’s always special but maybe you can add one or two percent two it because it’s the first game at the new stadium.

“The crowd didn’t affect me last season, the refereeing decisions affected me. Last season was my first Merseyside derby. I think their fans will be loud, as will ours.

“I think it is not the stadium in itself but the players which make the difference. The fans can help for sure.”

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