Sean Dyche has been speaking to press ahead of Everton’s short trip to Anfield on Saturday afternoon for the 243rd Merseyside derby. Dyche also addresses the current situation with 777.
Dyche encourages his players to change the Merseyside derby record which has been dominated by Liverpool:
“Their record is very strong, they are a very good outfit – we know that. Our record needs changing – we know that. It’s been a long time with not many wins but it is a tough place to go.
“We won’t be listening to any of the noise around it. It is a big game. We will be focusing on our own performance, which I think generally have been strong, but we are taking on a top side.
“It is a proper derby. I have played in a few and been around a few but it is certainly the biggest one I know and have been involved in. I’ve only had one experience but I will certainly be looking forward to the next one.”
Dyche talks about his players not losing belief after an impressive win against Bournemouth:
“We were in decent spirits anyway but it reaffirms to the players and the staff that when you get it right and take your chances, and find real cutting edge in your performance, then I have always said that I think we are a decent outfit.
“I have never lost sight of that or belief in it. I still think that despite all of the recruitment challenges we have still got a very strong group of players.
“It is about performing and delivering and, of course, winning. I was pleased that all came together not just to get a very good performance but also a win.”
The 777 takeover deal has had news of reportedly collapsing and Dyche gives his verdict on the matter:
“I’ve stepped into the middle of it. It’s certainly not something that involves me as manager, but it distantly does from the fact that I am manager.
“I will wait and see on what the outcome is and what the timelines are. At the minute I don’t know any more than that.”
Everton have been given a boost ahead of Saturday that sees Idrissa Gana Gueye fit and ready but also returns for captain Seamus Coleman and improvement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin:
“Virtually everyone – apart from the longer term [absentees] Dele Alli and Andre Gomes [are back fit].
“Seamus [Coleman] is on the grass for the first time with us but he has only had one day, so that will take time.
“All of the [international] players have come back fit and well [from representing their countries], which we are pleased about. The other group have worked hard in the meantime.”
“We know he (Calvert-Lewin) is getting back to full fitness and sharpness. I think that is very obvious from the way he is playing, his physical stats support that as well.
“It is really about getting him out on the pitch as many times as possible until he is totally free flowing because I think he is a very, very good player.”
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