Toure: Winning the derby could set up our season Defender says beating Everton can set platform for Champions League qualification Liverpool FCdefender Kolo Toure believes victory over Everton at Anfield would represent a significant step towards landing a Champions League spot. The Ivorian centre-back admits the stakes are high ahead of Tuesday nights 222nd Merseyside derby. The fourth placed Reds are just a point clear of Roberto Martinezs side and Toure knows the outcome could have a huge impact on the rest of the campaign. “We all know its a massive game,” Toure told the ECHO. “It will be really intense but we really need to win. “For the fans it means a lot and it means a lot to us as players too. We will try our best and we will give everything we have got to get the right result. “The top four is where we want to be. Were there now but we will only stay there if we win this game. “Everton are doing very well and Tottenham are close behind us too. But we are playing well and everyone is really focused. “Our target is to be up there and we want those three points. At home we have a very good record and we want to keep that going. Winning this game will be very important for the months to come.” Toure is relishing his first taste of this fixture after being an unused substitute for the thrilling 3-3 draw at Goodison Park back in November. The 32-year-old is no stranger to the white-hot atmospheres of derby showdowns having played for Arsenal against Tottenham and Manchester City against Manchester United. Kolo Toure smiling as ever “I havent tried the Liverpool one but hopefully this will be my chance,” said Toure. “If I play then Ill be able to compare it with the other derbies Ive played in and see which is the best. “There is always a different feel to these kind of games but as players we need to just concentrate on our jobs. “I didnt play at Goodison but it was a great game to watch. Both teams have great managers who want their teams to attack.” Toure believes Saturdays comfortable 2-0 victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cupwas the perfect preparation for the clash with the Blues. Having leaked goals at an alarming rate in recent weeks, Liverpool kept a welcome clean sheet with the experienced centre-back impressing alongside Martin Skrtel. Martin Skrtel tackles Lewis Grabban The Slovakian had to have staples in a head wound following a clash of heads but he will be ready to face Everton. Toure knows the duo will have their work cut out dealing with big frontman Romelu Lukaku, who scored twice against the Reds earlier in the campaign. “We showed against Bournemouth that we know how to defend well,” he said. “We knew it would be a tough game against a team who play good football but we controlled the game really well. “Our attitude was good, we were strong and didnt concede a goal. The clean sheet was very important as it gives everyone confidence. “Martin is fine. We knew he would be coming back after he went off for treatment because hes a tough guy. Hes having a great season. “We dealt with everything they threw at us and now we need to rest well and make sure we are ready to go again. “Lukaku is a good player, but its not just him as Everton have other dangerous attacking players. We have to ensure were focused and ready to stop them.” If Liverpool nullify that threat then Toure expects Brendan Rodgers men to triumph as he cant see the visitors stopping Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 01:54:25 +0000
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