David Moyes has set his sights on bridging Everton’s chasm to Liverpool.
Wednesday’s last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park provides a fresh reminder of the ongoing gulf in quality between the city’s two local clubs.
Arne Slot’s side will venture across Stanley Park for the final time with designs of opening up a nine-point cushion in this season’s Premier League title race.
The Blues, meanwhile, are seeking to put further breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone after moving the same margin clear.
In Moyes’ final two seasons, they finished above their neighbours but have fallen off the pace ever since – something the returning Everton manager aims to put right.
He said: “There’s a gulf between the two squads, and everyone’s aware of the difficulty this club has had.
“The gap between the two teams at the moment has probably been as big as it has been for a long time. So it’s something I have to bridge, and start bringing the two clubs closer together.
“But I always go back to my last two years where we finished above Liverpool in the league twice. It took us a good few years to prepare that and get us ready.
“We’ve got a few years to go before we’re going to be ready to compete with Liverpool again.”
The final Goodison derby is set to have an added intensity as potentially Everton’s last-ever home night match with fans set to provide a coach greeting before kick-off.
“Goodison is a really intimidating atmosphere and difficult place to play. I’ve had some great nights here as a manager,” added Moyes.
“Liverpool have always been a tough opponent, but at Goodison it has always felt much easier because we have a fantastic support behind us and this game will be no different.”