David Moyes warns: Everton can’t afford any slip-ups

Mar 6 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

DAVID MOYES has urged his Everton players not to let their hard work go to waste when they take the latest step of their European adventure this evening.

The Goodison Park outfit resume their UEFA Cup challenge in Italy against Fiorentina in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

In-form Everton are aiming for a club record eighth successive win in European competition and their sixth straight victory in all competitions.

Moyes admits that Fiorentina, who stand fourth in Serie A, rank alongside Zenit St Petersburg as the most difficult opposition his team have so far faced during their UEFA Cup run.

Everton’s 6-1 win over SK Brann in their most recent UEFA Cup tie last month was their biggest win over foreign oppo-sition and means they have survived longer in Europe than during the last 23 years.

And having gained momentum in the competition, the Goodison manager has implored his players to keep building on their efforts of the previous eight European games this season.

“This is a big test for us,” said Moyes. “I still think Zenit were the biggest test we have faced so far and I wouldn’t be surprised if they got to the final, but that was in the group game where there was a greater margin for error than there is now.

“We cannot afford any slip-ups now. This is the sort of level we want to play at, against a team in Fiorentina with a great reputation, and in Europe as well, although they have had their ups and downs in recent years.”

Mikel Arteta faces a late fitness test on the groin problem that has ruled him out of the first leg in Norway against Brann and the recent wins over Manchester City and Portsmouth.

Arteta flew into Italy from Spain yesterday evening after the rest of the squad had arrived after undergoing further treatment in his homeland.

Moyes is already without Manuel Fernandes (groin) and Nuno Valente (thigh) and, should Arteta be deemed not fit enough to start, is likely to keep faith with the same team for the third successive match.

Fiorentina go into the game on the back of an impressive 3-2 win over bitter rivals Juventus at the weekend.

And Moyes added: “I was here to see their game against Livorno last week and watched their win over Juventus at the weekend, which was very impressive. The injury to Mutu doesn’t seem to have affected them at all.

“They are very similar to us in many ways; a good, hard-working side who by all accounts should have qualified for the Champions League last season and are going very close this season.”

With Arsenal having beaten AC Milan this week and neighbours Liverpool defeating Inter a fortnight ago, Everton could make it a hat-trick of English successes over Italian opposition this evening.

“That would be nice and we will do everything we can to try and make it happen, but you can never underestimate an Italian team,” said Moyes. “Italy are the reigning world champions, Milan won the Champions League last season and their sides always have something about them.

“We will have to play it cleverly against Fiorentina. They are a team that is capable of trying different things and changing styles during the course of a game.

“We have to be wise to what they can throw at us.”

Moyes added: “I’m really excited by the challenge and am confident in the way we are playing. One thing I am wary of is how well Fiorentina have been playing.

“Like us they are also an up and coming side. They play with a decent tempo that is demanded by their coach.

“I know they are one of the less typically Italian teams, they like to go on the attack.

“It shows hopefully two sides that are going to be in the Champions League in the future.”

TONIGHT’S officials are from Belgium, with Paul Allaerts the referee.