Sean Dyche believes that Everton’s 10-point deduction for violating Premier League financial regulations will not ruin their season. However, he also cautions his players that they cannot depend on the club’s appeal to save them from facing another relegation struggle.
The manager of Everton expressed his surprise and disappointment at the independent commission’s ruling to impose the largest penalty in Premier League history for overspending £19.5m in 2021-22. Dyche was informed of the decision by Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, while he was ill on vacation in Dubai. He deemed the deduction to be excessive and unjust.
On Friday morning, Dyche spoke to the main squad at Everton’s Finch Farm training facility after they had all returned from their international duties. The players responded to last week’s news by sending messages of determination in their WhatsApp group. Despite their recent success of six wins in nine games, which brought them up to 14th place in the standings, Everton was pushed back down to 19th. However, they expressed their determination to keep up their momentum and lift the club out of danger during the meeting with the manager on Friday.
“The attitude was extremely optimistic in terms of reinforcing the existing mindset,” stated Dyche. “We all discussed how this current situation has not altered our progress and we will continue to move forward. The players are focused and determined. They have a WhatsApp group and as soon as they heard the news, they posted in there: ‘Okay guys, just another obstacle, let’s face it head on’. The group is taking responsibility and that is a significant aspect.”
They conveyed to me the message that their focus is on building without any interruptions or distractions. It is impossible to confirm if it has affected the determination of the players since we have not played any games yet. However, the players are aware of our objectives and have mentioned it to me consistently for the past six weeks.
A new three-person panel will review Everton’s appeal against the 10-point deduction before the season ends. Despite this, Dyche urges his team to move on from the appeal and face the fact that they are currently tied for last place in the Premier League with only four points. He believes this perspective will allow Everton to concentrate on climbing out of the relegation zone.
Dyche expressed confidence in his own skills, as well as those of his staff and players, when it comes to the possibility of survival. He has always believed in himself and his team, even during difficult periods. However, confidence alone is not enough; ultimately, winning games is what matters. This upcoming challenge is just another opportunity to prove themselves.
“At the moment, we are unsure of the outcome of the appeal and how it may affect the situation. However, I have made it clear to the players that we must stay focused on the current reality and not assume that things will automatically change. We must continue to work hard and push forward, as we have lost 10 points and need to regain them as soon as possible. There is no guarantee that previous success will guarantee future success.”
Everton fans have a series of protests against the Premier League planned for Sunday’s home game against Manchester United, when a win could possibly lift Dyche’s team out of the bottom three. After several years of division at Goodison Park, certainly in terms of the fanbase and the club’s hierarchy, the punishment has created a collective siege mentality that Dyche wants his team to utilise.
Ignore the advertisement for the newsletter.
after newsletter promotion
He expressed that he was eager for Sunday to arrive, as the team has been performing well recently. He also mentioned his belief that the Everton fans will be fully supportive and involved in the upcoming game. He is still getting to know the Everton fans, but is learning about their dedication to the club. He believes their support will greatly benefit the team and increase their chances of success.
I feel that there are fans of Everton who have a deep understanding of the team and its history, not just the recent years of having money. They remember the struggles and hard work that went into building the team and its mindset. I believe they can sense this mentality returning. They can sense the team becoming more down-to-earth and determined, with a group of players who will give their all.
Dyche chose not to provide a statement regarding the potential consequences of Everton’s penalty for Manchester City and Chelsea. Both teams are currently facing investigations by the football authorities for alleged financial violations, with Manchester City denying any wrongdoing.
Source: theguardian.com
