Moyes issues rallying call

Everton boss knows players need to understand derby passion

Last updated: 28th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Moyes issues rallying call

Moyes: Wants more from team

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Everton manager David Moyes has called on his players to rise to the occasion ahead of Sunday's Merseyside derby with Liverpool.

The Toffees currently languish 14th in the Premier League table, with only one win from their last seven games in the competition.

And now Moyes admits his side must regain the spirit and determination that has helped them secure a top-six finish in each of the last three seasons.

"In the past, we have tended to show we had that in every game," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"That has been one of our biggest strengths, our character, our spirit, our endeavour.

Great club

"They (the players) should all be shaking my hand and thanking me for asking them to sign for Everton because it is such a great club.

"For some of them it might not get any better. So when they cross the white line they need to take responsibility."

The Scotsman will be no stranger to the atmosphere inside Goodison Park when Everton face their arch rivals but he feels some members of his squad may be unprepared for the fans' passion.

He added: "You can smell the difference in the attitude, the anticipation outside as people come to the game.

"Maybe some players could do with coming to the game walking up to the ground a few times and seeing what it actually means to the supporters.

Committed

"That can get taken away from them in the (sheltered) world we live in."

Rumours that the long-serving manager was considering walking away from the cub sparked into life after Everton's 3-2 defeat against Hull City in midweek.

However, Moyes was quick to dismiss the speculation and has now reaffirmed his commitment to Everton once again.

"That's complete nonsense," he said of the rumours.

"I've been here seven-and-a-half years and worked really hard to get here and working really hard to continue it and try and improve the club.

"We are in a bad moment just now but I'll carry on trying to get through this.

"I've got great respect for the supporters. If the fans thought it wasn't David Moyes they wanted, I would have to think about that.

"But at the moment I need to keep working hard with the players, doing what I have done over the years."