Malo slika sa treninga prije derbija
Kenny: It will be special
Kenny Dalglish admits he could not have asked for a more fitting fixture to begin with as he prepares to take charge of Liverpool at Anfield for the first time since returning to the helm against Everton on Sunday.
The iconic Scot immortalised himself in derby folklore during both his playing days and first stint as Reds boss, and he admits this weekend's encounter with the Blues will be an occasion to savour for all concerned.
"The derbies in any city are special, and this one is probably more special than many others for very many good reasons," said Dalglish.
"Until recently, the relationship between the fans has always been magnificent, something that sets Merseyside derbies apart from anywhere else.
"So it's a fantastic day for people and the city which can be proud of the heritage of the two football clubs. That's reflected when the two clubs play each other. We've got enormous respect for David Moyes and Everton and what they've done."
He continued: "I'm looking forward to the game, obviously there's a big story about coming back to Anfield for the first game which is going to be fantastic for myself.
"It will probably be very emotional as well to stand in front of the punters.
"But it's more important how we go about it with the players and how they adapt as well.
"Sunday is a day that I'll remember for a long, long time, going back in."
It was Everton who provided the final opposition of Dalglish's first reign as Liverpool manager back in February 1991 when the two sides played out an enthralling 4-4 FA Cup draw at Goodison Park.
The Scot tendered his shock resignation from the Reds hot seat in the hours that followed that dramatic tussle across the park.
"I remember at the time, I knew that afternoon I was going to go in the next day and say that was me finished," reflected Dalglish.
"On the night, I should have made a change and I never did so, so when I came in at time up I thought, 'Yeah, you've done the right thing (by resigning).'
"There's no point the person in charge not being able to make a decision. I knew I'd done the right thing."
A veteran of the Merseyside derby, Dalglish has many memories of doing battle with the old enemy - both good and bad.
However, there is one particular afternoon that stands out above all others for the legendary No.7.
A little over a month on from the Hillsborough disaster, the Reds and Blues contested the 1989 FA Cup final at Wembley on what was a poignant occasion as both sets of supporters united to pay tribute to the 96 fans who lost their lives in the tragedy.
"The Hillsborough Cup final was a special one because of the circumstances leading up to it," said Dalglish.
"Liverpool had fantastic support from Evertonians and suddenly we were competing with each other to win the FA Cup.
"I remember how the whole day was, how the fans supported both clubs and the total respect from Everton of the situation we had been in.
"For me that will always be the most special derby."
