‘It’s a good opportunity’ – Liverpool boss Taylor previews Merseyside derby
Liverpool head coach Gareth Taylor says the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fifth round match against Everton this afternoon presents a great opportunity for his side to reach the latter stages of a major cup competition.
The Reds have a poor record against their city rivals recently, but they are improving game after game thanks to some January investment.
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Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, Liverpool boss Taylor said this afternoon’s draw was a great opportunity for his side.
“I think it will be big [to qualify]”, Taylor said. “Most competitions are really difficult to win or even get to the later stages. For us, this is a good opportunity. The next period after the international break we don’t want a free weekend, we want to be in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
“We know the challenge, but it’s a good home game for us with our fans right behind us and it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
Everton’s opponents have won their last three games, including two under the caretaker management of Scott Phelan. Taylor highlighted some of the changes to Everton’s style of play since the managerial change.
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He said: “They succeeded and Scott [Phelan] came and gave them a platform to build on.
“They’re a bit more rigid in their formation, particularly in their defensive formation and they’re playing more fit, so I think they’ve probably given in less to oppositions.
“They were a little more pragmatic in their defensive shape and they took their opportunities when they had their moments. It makes sense the way they went about it, being a little more pragmatic and trying to hit teams a little more on the break. They go deep to expose teams in transition offensively. Their players have good ability.
“For us, we’re really aware of that, of how we can potentially hurt them in spaces and what kind of spaces they’re leaving.”
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Liverpool added several new players to their squad in January, but Taylor says the new arrivals need no introduction at the Merseyside derby.
He said: “The players are really good at integrating new players. They understand what it means to play for this football club and they understand the importance of these kinds of games. I don’t think there is a need to have any education about it, the players are really aware of that.”
Liverpool’s Adobe Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round tie against Everton kicks off at 4.30pm this afternoon. Tickets remain on sale and can be purchased by clicking here.
