Mauricio's five-point preview - Everton

Mauricio Pochettino previews our trip to Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday (4.30pm) in five points...

1 – Mood in the camp

Mauricio was asked how the players have been this week as we prepare for a second-successive Sunday on Merseyside following last week's 2-1 loss at Anfield...

Mauricio: “It was a tough week, difficult, because when you lose a game it’s never easy to recover. At the same time, we’re working hard to be ready again because the competition doesn’t stop. It’s a situation that only we can fix by winning games. We know it’s our responsibility to deliver a performance on Sunday against a very good team like Everton, trying to win. That’s the best medicine.”

2 - Anfield re-visited

What did Mauricio and the players take from last weekend’s performance against the Premier League leaders?

Mauricio: “We’ve spoken a lot about the game, things we can do better. The team was very competitive. We were a little unlucky. Sonny had an unbelievable chance to score the second goal (to make it 2-0) and it was tough. We conceded and when we conceded, they increased their level. For sure, after we conceded the second, the team was pushing to come again but it didn’t happen.”

3 – Paulo Gazzaniga

The Argentine goalkeeper impressed with a string of fine saves at Liverpool - how does Mauricio feel he’s responded to taking over in goal following Hugo Lloris’ injury?

Mauricio: “Paulo has been with us for two years and knows very well how we want to play. He has responded every time Hugo has been out. He has unbelievable quality and great potential. For a goalkeeper, he’s still young (he’s 27). It’s a great opportunity for him with Hugo out injured and we are happy for him because he’s a great professional.”

4 - Away form

A lot has been said about our away form, but having taken a point at Arsenal and City, got ahead against Leicester and Olympiacos and then pushed Liverpool all the way on Sunday, was it just down to key moments going against us, or is there more to it?

Mauricio: “The small details make the difference and we need to be stronger. It’s true when a negative result arrives it’s always tough. We are there, we need time and we are going to find a way to (get) success again."

5 – Everton

Finally, what is Mauricio expecting from Everton at Goodison?

Mauricio: “They have a very good squad, very good players. They need the points too, like us. It will be a very competitive game. I hope we can have a similar performance to last season (we won 6-2 at Goodison) but a win is most important for us. It would be great to win. We need victories and to build our confidence again.”