Exclusive: Ole confident ahead of Everton clash

Victories against Spurs and Manchester City, along with a 4-0 success against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League - a result which saw the Reds finish top of Europa Leaue Group L - means that the we have reasons to be confident going into our meeting with the Toffees, who will have Duncan Ferguson acting as caretaker manager for the second consecutive match.

In our exclusive pre-match interview with the boss, Ole discussed the threats that the visitors possess, and hopes to right the wrongs of our 4-0 defeat at Goodison Park at the back end of last season... 

Ole, I suppose it’s always tricky when you’re up against a caretaker manager. There’s often a bounce and there was a bounce for Duncan Ferguson last week, so I suppose everyone will be on a bit of a high.
"Yeah, we’re getting used to teams changing managers and players wanting to prove themselves. Of course I know Big Dunc from when I played and I’ve had quite a few chats with him and he got his team up for their last game [against Chelsea]. He's got passion, energy, drive and we’re up against a good team, as we know from last April."

You’ve said before that we are different team from last April. I suppose we’ll see that development on Sunday, but do you feel as though we’re in a far better place than last April?
"We’re a different team, a different group. There's a different mood about the place, and the players are fighting for their place in the team. It’s a great position for me to be in. The form is coming, the smiles are back on people’s faces and we’re confident."

Duncan must have been a nightmare to play against. I suppose he’s got that authority, maybe a bit of fear in some of the players to play for him...
"I’m happy I didn’t play against him as a centre-back. He was up at the other end of the pitch, but yeah, every game against Duncan you knew he would give his all for Everton. He’s doing the same now."

You’ve got loads of choices. You made nine changes in the Europa League. It’s a good position to be in, I guess?
"It’s a great place to be in. That’s how we want it to be. We want players to knock on the door saying I should play, I want to play, and when they get the chance take the opportunity. We’ve got so many games, so they’ll have enough minutes on the pitch. It’s about making the most of it when you're on the pitch and making things happen."

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