Former Everton player Phil Neville has revealed his hatred for the Merseyside derby. The 41 year old has claimed the contest to be overhyped.
Neville had the chance to lead the Toffees as David Moyes handed him the responsibility following his arrival from Manchester United at the Goodison Park. Over the years the contest between Liverpool and Everton has been a one sided affair as the Reds seem to have an upper hand over their archrivals.
But with Marco Silva’s arrival things are expected to change.
Neville explained the pressure created prior to the game was completely unnecessary. “I hated Merseyside derbies, I really did. I thought they were overhyped.
“I think [in] a Manchester derby, we used to talk about from 48 hours before. Merseyside derbies were a week before.
“The masseur would put up on the wall ‘five more sleeps’, the next day ‘four more sleeps’, the next day ‘three more sleeps until the Merseyside derby’. It was the biggest game.
“We used to go into derby days full of confidence thinking we could compete but Liverpool always used to play the game.
“We got too involved in trying to smash someone early on, fans saying you’ve got to die for the badge. It was the only game Everton wanted to win.”
