Seamus Coleman has spoken to Off The Ball about the satisfaction of Everton's 0-0 draw against Liverpool today, saying that he understands Everton fans' reaction and that the squad are happy to have put a 'dent' in Liverpool's title hopes.
"I understand 100% [the Everton fans' satisfaction at hurting Liverpool's title hopes.]
"That's 100% where the fans would be - they don't want to see their rivals winning the league.
"As Everton players, you don't want to see your rivals winning the league, but we just had to look at ourselves because our performances have not been good recently, and try and put on a good performance. We did that.
"We actually wanted the win, which wasn't the case. We have put a dent in their title hopes, but they are still a very good side and it will be a good battle between them and Manchester City."
Ahead of Mick McCarthy's squad announcement, Coleman opened up on his feelings around his position in the squad and the team, and whether he will retain captaincy.
In terms of the burgeoning rivalry between Coleman and Wolves' Matt Doherty for the right-back berth, he remained cautious.
"When you stop thinking about yourself and worrying about other things, that's when things go wrong.
"I have just got to look at myself - if I'm not playing well, I understand that. I've definitely not played as badly as some people might say at times - it's not been to my standards, but there have been some games where I've been good."
In strict terms of the captaincy, Coleman reiterated the importance of the team in the face of personal concerns.
"I've got no ego regarding captaincies. When I put on that shirt, whether it's captain or not captain, it's fully committed to the cause. I've come through the long way around in this career, and there's no ego with me - you need to look in the mirror and look at the excuses."
Coleman also spoke about Declan Rice's decision to declare for England:
"Of course, I'm massively disappointed. He's a top player, and we're seeing that week in and week out. Declan Rice has his career with England now and good luck to him, but I think that subject needs to stop as he's not an Irish player."
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