World NewsMoyes Focused on Bigger Picture |
EVERTON manager David Moyes has admitted his side are on the brink of a relegation battle and the fact they have a clash with near-neighbours Liverpool this weekend makes little difference to that.
The Toffees go into the 212th Merseyside derby in a woeful run of form, having won just once in 10 matches to leave them just four points above the bottom three.
Moyes said the team had to start winning, irrespective of who Sunday's opponents were, if they were to avoid slipping further down the table.
"We have to talk about it. There is no point in hiding and burying our heads in the sand," he said.
"If we don't start to play better we will be [in relegation trouble]. We are not playing well enough to be anywhere else.
"You can't hide the fact if you keep losing games you will be relegated.
"You have to stop it and get in a position when that will happen."
Moyes accepts Sunday's match is of huge importance in terms of bragging rights within the city but he is more concerned with getting his side back to where he believes they should be, which is inside the top six.
"It is the sort of game we are privileged to be involved in," he said.
"It is an opportunity to try to get a win against our local rivals but if you said to me would I take two defeats against Liverpool and finish in a European spot, of course I would.
"I'm trying to focus as much on Everton and not to look at Liverpool."
Despite their poor form Moyes said he was not finding managing the side any less enjoyable than in previous seasons.
"I have always enjoyed the job and working in football," he added.
"You want your players to play well, you want to show the work you are doing and get something from that as well.
"There is a saying that after you do all your work in the week that, win or lose, it shouldn't really matter as a coach because if you have done your preparation well it is then down to the players.
"Of course it matters. You are out trying to make changes during the game, at half-time.
"You try to be prepared as well as you can but you have to trust the players to go on and do it.
"That is what we have done over the last couple of seasons and are asking them to do now.
"We are asking them to show what they are about, they are better than what they are showing."
Marouane Fellaini returns from suspension, as does midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, having missed the midweek defeat to Hull.
The Belgium international has one derby victory under his belt - last season's FA Cup fourth-round replay - and is desperate to add to that tally.
"We simply have to win. If we lose I would hear the other fans celebrating and I don't want to have to shut my window. I want to win," he said.
"You can't predict these games and all you know is that it will be a great occasion.
"What makes it such an entertaining game is the absolute desire from both teams and it will be a brilliant atmosphere. I can't wait.
"You can't really say that both teams are going into it playing equally as badly.
"Everton's run of results has been worse, so we cannot afford to be complacent in any way.
"I am ready to get going again after missing Hull. Sunday is the time to put it right."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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