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Post by Avinalaff on Nov 20, 2013 16:04:53 GMT
Tim Howard backs Roberto Martinez to stay in control for first derby
20 Nov 2013 07:28
“He’ll stand up on that touchline and embrace it like he always does"
Tim Howard has backed ice-cool Roberto Martinez to thrive in the heat of his first derby tactical battle.
The USA international believes Everton’s manager has the perfect temperament to outfox his counterpart in the away dugout when the action starts on Saturday.
Martinez takes control of his first all-Merseyside showdown at the weekend with the Blues just three points behind Liverpool in the table, and Everton goalkeeper Howard has every faith that the Catalan will prepare his side perfectly.
He said: “He doesn’t blink in the face of pressure. He’s easy going and never shows he’s concerned or that there’s an issue.
“He’ll stand up on that touchline and embrace it like he always does and he’ll be himself which is the most important thing in a derby.”
Howard admits that Liverpool’s in-form pair of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will pose a threat for the hosts, but is confident Martinez will have the solution to shackling them.
“The manager always seems to put a really good game plan in place every week focusing on what we have, but also looking at other teams’ threats,” he said.
“Certainly those two have been in really good form this year but also we need to stop the source too, and that’s been a really big point for us this season.
“We know what they’re about, what they’re capable of and our senior guys have played against this Liverpool team a lot of times and know what to expect.
“It doesn’t make it easier but we’re going to look for our big players and their big players to match up, go toe to toe and hopefully we come out on top.
“They’re bang on form though so they will be a tough nut to crack.”
Howard, 34, believes the impressive start of opposite number Simon Mignolet’s Liverpool career will also be tested in the Belgian’s first derby experience.
“I’m a fan of goalkeepers and the art of goalkeeping and I’ve always liked how he performs,” he said. “He seems a strong character, able to handle the ups and downs which is important for a goalkeeper.
“He’s come in and done well for them this season. He’s been in derbies in the North East before but this is slightly different. It will be an eye opening experience for him especially being his first one, so we’ll see how he reacts but he’s a top goalkeeper who’s been in great form.”
With both Merseyside clubs enjoying a strong start to the season, Howard feels there is plenty at stake when the sides meet for their 221st encounter.
He added: “This season more than any I can remember both teams can be right up there. It’s more than local pride at stake.
“It’s two teams who play in a similar fashion with managers that have very similar belief in the right way to play the game.
“It’ll still be spicy though, there can’t be a derby that’s not. I don’t think you prepare any differently.
“You have to realise it’s a big game that has to be played the right way.
"What probably ends up happening in derby week is that some of your senior players, especially the local guys, are in the ears of the foreign boys saying ‘This isn’t just your average game’. I’d imagine the same happens on the other side of the park as well.”
Reds goalkeeper Elisha Scott and Blues striker Dixie Dean enjoyed some legendary duels in the inter-war period
More great Derby pics in the Echo
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