Everton boss David Moyes admits he is frustrated by the financial constraints bound on him by the club’s lack of money, but insists he is not envious of the spending power of his opposite number at Liverpool, Kenny Dalglish.
The two sides will come together on Saturday lunchtime in the first Merseyside derby of the season which takes place at Goodison Park.
Currently, there is a stark contrast between both clubs, which is easily outlined when looking at the past two transfer windows where Liverpool were able to spend in the region of £120 million on players, whereas the cash-strapped Toffees brought in four on loan and bought another, Apostolos Vellios, for a low fee.
Moyes was quick to make note of the financial divide between his and Dalglish’s sides when being asked about the upcoming grudge match.
"It's always been a tough game for us because we're up against good opposition, and Liverpool have always had a level of finance which has allowed them to buy a different level of player than us," Moyes told reporters.
"Over the years we've tried to be competitive, tried to get as close to them as we can.
"We know it's a big rivalry in the city, and I'm aware of that, but most people are aware there have been differences over the years between Liverpool and Everton, and all of it has been financial."
Moyes also made note of the Reds’ situation this time last season "This time last year Liverpool weren't in great condition.
"They were maybe in a similar situation to us here where they were having to give money back to the banks.
"The supporters were quite restless at the time, but they've had new owners, a change of manager and brought in new players, so they have turned it around quite a lot.
"That's there for everybody to see and everybody knows that. At this present time we've not got the funds Liverpool have had given to them in the last year. That's given them a big help."
Asked if he is frustrated by getting so close to Liverpool last season, he added: "Yes, only because we got really close last year, and things have changed very quickly for Liverpool in that time.
"Last season we had a really good side at times. I think we showed that, although not come the end of the season because our league position wasn't good enough.”
However, Moyes insists he does not look over towards Anfield with envy.
"I don't think I look with envy. I'm just stating facts. It has never been any different here," said the Scot.
"We have always worked within our means, and in many seasons the same things have happened and we've still always found a way of getting there, so hopefully we can do that again this year.
"It has been hard to get above Liverpool in the league table, and we have done everything we can to win as many derby games as we can, which has been tough.
"We've tried to be competitive against them, tried to hang onto their shirt tails, and at times try to get above them, but as I say, it's not been easy."
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