David Moyes disagrees with Arne Slot ahead of Everton derby with Liverpool - 'Ask any manager'

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Everton boss David Moyes has hit back at Liverpool manager Arne Slot's referee complaints ahead of the first ever Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday

Everton boss David Moyes(Image: Getty Images)

Everton manager David Moyes has instructed Arne Slot to cease complaining about referees ahead of Sunday's historic first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The two teams are divided by merely five points heading into the encounter as Liverpool attempt to secure a top-five finish to guarantee their spot at Europe's top table.

However, the Toffees harbor ambitions of returning to continental competition themselves and could climb as high as sixth with victory, depending on other results throughout the weekend. Moyes praised his counterpart despite mounting criticism following a disappointing title defence and eliminations from both the FA Cup and Champions League in recent days.

Yet the Scot is dismissing Slot's grievances about match officials. "He has done a brilliant job," Moyes said. "And I have got to say he is a really good coach – that is from a neutral point of view.

"But I'm not sure I'm having him saying they are getting bad decisions at Anfield because if you ask any Premier League manager over football history, they will tell you that if there is one club that gets all the decisions, it is Liverpool Football Club.

"So if they are finding a few bad things at the moment, well, we have had to put up with them for years, every time we go there. But as a coach, I think he's a top coach.

"I actually think Liverpool supporters would agree with that if they were honest as well! There are very few decisions that go against Liverpool at Anfield. Very few." Moyes has received considerable praise for his work since his return to Everton, though he remains grounded about such acclaim.

Arne Slot finds himself under pressure(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

"I'm getting a bit older. I have had all that," he added. "I've been there and done it. You know, I could start next season with six defeats and you will be saying I'm rubbish!

"There is very little balance and realism in the job in some ways. Arne Slot won the Premier League last year. He's probably got to make a few changes and take a bit of time if the players don't settle in straight away. It's a bit like us.

"What does the next level look like for Everton next year? If you are saying 'you should be in the top four or five!' then I would be saying 'hold on, wait a minute! You're wrong.' It's very difficult.

"Some managers are doing amazing jobs. But there is no way we have a Premier League without someone losing. It's going to be someone in focus every year."