David Moyes admits the gap between Everton and Liverpool is "as big as it's been for a long time" as he prepares for the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
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Arne Slot's Reds are seeking to go nine points clear at the top of the table while their hosts will kick off a whopping 30 points behind their rivals.
Everton have not finished above their neighbours since the 2012/13 season, which was Moyes' last in charge at Goodison before he left to join Manchester United.
In recent years the Toffees have battled relegation on a number of occasions and have been dogged by financial issues, while Liverpool have not finished lower than fifth in the past eight seasons.
Moyes, 61, who finished above Liverpool three times in his first spell at Everton, from 2002 until 2013, said the gulf between the two clubs had widened.
"I think the gap between the two teams at the moment is probably as big as it's been for a long time," the Scot said Tuesday.
"It's something I have to try and bridge and start bringing the two clubs closer together. I certainly need to bring my club closer to their club if I can."
Moyes, who replaced Sean Dyche as Everton manager last month, said derbies had been more competitive in his first spell in charge but it was always a challenge to compete against Liverpool.
"I think it was only in the last couple of years where we did finish above them in the Premier League (as well as 2005) so it's something we have to try and aim to do again," he said.
He added: "We've always been chasing Liverpool and probably no more so than now... we've got a few years to go before we're going to be ready to compete against Liverpool again."
The original fixture was postponed in December due to Storm Darragh, meaning Moyes gets the chance to be in charge for Goodison's final derby.
Everton will be leaving their historic home at the end of this season to play in their new 52 888-capacity Bramley-Moore Dock stadium on Liverpool's waterfront.
Liverpool, despite their success, have struggled to win at the home of their neighbours in recent years, with nine of the past 12 games there ending in draws.
And Everton will go into the match full of confidence after winning their past three league games to ease relegation fears.
"Goodison is always a really difficult, intimidating atmosphere, difficult place to play," said Moyes. "I've had some great nights here as a manager. I hope I've got some more still to come before we finish here at Goodison."