As Jurgen Klopp gets ready for his final Merseyside derby as Liverpool’s manager, Everton are nearing an undesirable milestone. This year marks 25 years since Everton last won at Anfield in front of their fans. Their only recent victory at their former home was a 2-0 win behind closed doors in February 2021.
That last victory was a notably intense Merseyside derby in Premier League history. In September 1999, Kevin Campbell scored the only goal in a match where three players were sent off, leading to left-back Steve Staunton playing as a goalkeeper after two players were dismissed for fighting.
Didi Hamann made his Merseyside derby debut on that day, as Gerard Houllier chose to start him despite a seven-week absence due to injury. Reflecting on it now, Hamann admits he shouldn’t have played, but he did so because Houllier asked him to. Despite Liverpool’s disappointing defeat with nine men, Hamann recalls that the dressing room atmosphere was surprisingly calm afterward.
Hamann went on to win five of his ten Merseyside derbies during his seven years at Anfield, losing only twice. He was part of the Reds’ team that won four successive matches at Goodison Park. Although Klopp has lost just one of his 18 Merseyside derbies, victories at Goodison have been harder to come by for him.
Even if Liverpool were to win their final derby under Klopp, it would only be his third win at Everton out of eight visits. With Liverpool needing a win to maintain their slim chances of winning the Premier League title, Hamann remains confident in his former team’s ability to secure the result they need.
Hamann emphasizes the importance of resilience and composure, especially in the hostile atmosphere of Goodison Park. Despite Everton’s current struggles, he acknowledges that playing there is always tough. However, he believes in Klopp’s team, which has overcome numerous challenges in the past. Hamann concludes by expressing faith in Liverpool’s ability to secure the necessary result, citing their recent performances against Fulham and Crystal Palace as evidence of their potential.
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