David Moyes spoke candidly ahead of the Merseyside Derby, offering his thoughts on Liverpool’s big spending, Arne Slot’s progress and where Everton stand in comparison.
The Everton boss acknowledged the gulf between the two clubs but also highlighted his side’s determination to narrow it.
When asked about Liverpool’s record-breaking £446 million transfer outlay, Moyes insisted that the Reds had earned the right to operate at that level.
Moyes on Liverpool’s spending and success
“You have to earn the right,” he explained in a press conference (via reports by Liverpool Echo).
“You have to win and be in the big competitions which make the money. I found at West Ham that three years in Europe allowed us to spend money, bring money in and upped the spending.
“From that point of view, Liverpool are entitled to do that.”
He pointed out that while Arne Slot’s side invested heavily, much of it came after player sales, but he still couldn’t ignore the difference between Everton’s budget and Liverpool’s.
“I still think they’ve spent more on one player than we’ve spent on the whole squad,” he said.
Moyes praised the work done by both Slot and Klopp, describing the Reds’ recruitment as “top players.”
He acknowledged that Liverpool have strengthened again and remain favourites for the Premier League and Champions League.
“They’ve bought in a lot of really good players,” he said.
“Over recent years, Jurgen Klopp’s teams have been fantastic, and I think Arne Slot has come in and done a brilliant job for his club in the one year here he’s been here.”
Despite the financial gulf, Moyes stressed that Everton must focus on their own journey.
“I have to look at us and what we’re doing. I want us to keep improving and get better if we can,” he added.
He also pointed to Liverpool’s knack for late goals this season, acknowledging the strength of elite squads who can finish games strongly.
But he reminded reporters that Everton had pushed Liverpool close last season and will aim to do so again.
“Liverpool have shown at different times they’re very, very good and there are other times where they’ve shown some vulnerability.
“We’ll have to try and take advantage of those moments,” Moyes concluded.
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