Sorensen's 'Buzz' Ahead Of Merseyside Derby

Brian Sorensen emphasised the need to start the season strongly against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday (12pm BST), with the Merseyside derby the first fixture of a historic campaign that sees Everton embark on a new era at their new home, Goodison Park.

The Toffees come in to the fixture off the back of a strong pre-season that has seen them defeat Danish giants Fortuna Hjørring and FC Midtjylland, whilst testing reigning Italian champions Juventus.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday morning, Sorensen reflected on a summer transfer window that consisted of signing nine players, whilst providing an injury update ahead of Sunday’s match.

“Ruby [Mace] is in contention and will be in the squad on Sunday,” said Sorensen. “Hikaru Kitagawa is working her way back after coming in with a hamstring injury. She is on the pitch and has been training this week by herself. Elise [Stenevik] is touch and go with a problem with her foot.

“Overall, we feel we are ready – that is the most important thing. Hopefully, history repeats itself – that is in our favour. We have an okay understanding of what we will face, but there could be new players and constellations within their team.

“It feels good, I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully, there will be a big crowd. We are buzzing and are really looking forward to it. It is a one off game, form goes out of the window.”

He continued: “It has been the busiest summer! When I came in three years ago, it was also a big turnover. In the past years, we have not been able to invest. We have sold our best assets to stay afloat. When the new owners came in, they put a plan in place and said: ‘how do we grow?’

“We have lowered the squad age and got some players in that are of high class. It is not like we have spent a crazy amount of money. We are in a better situation than we have been in recent years, but there is still work to do. Busy summer, but we are here now and ready.”

Tickets for Everton’s historic opening fixtures at Goodison Park can be purchased here.