Sean Dyche admits Everton ‘can’t be in this state’ and ‘there’s a hell of a lot’ that needs to change
Sean Dyche admitted after saving Everton from relegation that they “can’t be in this state” around the bottom of the table for much longer.
The Toffees knew ahead of the final day that a win over Bournemouth would keep them up. Leicester City were two points adrift of Everton so they needed to pick up all three points over West Ham and hope that Dyche’s side dropped points to retain their Premier League status.
Leicester managed to run out 2-1 winners over the Hammers and the pressure was piling on Everton before Abdoulaye Doucoure found the net with a brilliant strike from the edge of the penalty area.
Everton overcome a couple of nervy moments to get over the line on the final day. They were also in a relegation battle last term and they will be desperate to avoid being in this scenario next season.
Speaking post-match, Dyche reflected on a “magic day” and he admitted that Everton “shouldn’t be in this shape”.
“It means a lot to me. I’ve just told the players we can’t be in this state. A magic day but at the end of the day we shouldn’t be in this shape. We have done well as staff and kept that belief. The mentality has been terrific,” Dyche told Sky Sports.
“You are only a big club if you are doing big things. It is one and we need to get it back to being one.
“It’s about the belief of the group. In the dying embers of the game, we found the moments. We obviously want to do better but you still need to have that belief like we had today.
“I came in here and everyone said it was broken. We have changed some things and enough that kept us in the Premier League. It means a lot to me as a manager and for the players. We capitalised on a big moment and didn’t make mistakes.
“You have to believe in the performance. We were getting good deliveries in the box so it was about staying calm and keep playing. They were nervous so we needed to see it through. That’s when you need calmness and we lost that a bit but I understand that. They have freedom because they have stayed up so it’s hard. We found a way to see it through and got enough points this season but there’s a hell of a lot to be done here still, I can ensure you of that.
“It’s a horrible game for all concerned at Everton but it’s fantastic when you come through it and get things done.
“I came here as the man to do the job. I knew there was a heavy risk but I’m pleased we got it done. We have found ways of winning games and getting points so that’s a good base to build on, but it does need building on.”
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