The most recent Everton news as manager Sean Dyche briefs the media at Anfield on Saturday prior of the Merseyside Derby
When the Blues travel across Stanley Park on Saturday, Everton manager Sean Dyche will be hoping to motivate his team to win at Anfield in front of supporters for the first time since 1999.
The 243rd Merseyside Derby is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. During his pre-match press conference at Everton’s Finch Farm training site in Halewood, Dyche was questioned about all the latest news around the team. Below is a summary of some of the most important points from his briefing.
Dyche is fully aware of the fact that Everton has only won one derby at Anfield this century—a 2-0 victory in February 2021—despite the fact that the stadium is barely a mile from their home field, Goodison Park.
He said: “Well their (Liverpool’s) record is very strong, they’re a very good outfit, we know that. Our record needs changing there, we know that.
“It’s been a long time with not many wins. But it’s a tough place to go and I don’t think we’ll be listening to the noise around it, we’re trying not to anyway, but there is a lot of noise, rightly so.
“It’s a big game but it’s more about our focus to get through that and concentrate on our performance because generally I think they’ve been strong but we are taking on a top side.”
Key Figures
In the current season, Everton’s number nine, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has already netted more goals (three) than he did throughout the entire previous season (two). Dyche is resolute in maintaining the fitness and top form of his center-forward, who has grappled with injuries over the past few years. Dyche expressed, “I wouldn’t go as far as saying he’s crucial to Everton’s style, but we recognize his effectiveness. It’s evident that he’s regaining full fitness and sharpness, supported by his impressive stats, especially his physical performance. Our primary goal is to keep him on the pitch as much as possible until he’s completely in the groove because, in my opinion, he’s an outstanding player.”
Another player making a name for himself in recent weeks is midfielder James Garner, who had to wait until late last season to secure his place in the lineup. Dyche expressed his satisfaction with Garner’s progress, saying, “I’m genuinely thrilled for Jimmy and his development. When I arrived, he was recovering from an injury. I had observed his performances at Forest the previous season while taking a break, and I’ve mainly seen him in a central role. However, I appreciate his adaptability. He’s a player who utilizes that versatility wisely and has been open to playing various positions. He has put in diligent work, and I believe he’s growing into a highly skilled footballer.”
Renewing the Klopp Rivalry
Everton’s sole victory at Anfield since 1999 occurred during a period when Liverpool endured a six-match losing streak, ignited by Dyche’s Burnley, who handed the Reds their first home defeat in 68 Premier League games the previous month. During that encounter, the current Everton manager engaged in a heated verbal exchange with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp. However, Dyche clarifies that there are no lingering issues between them.
When asked if he expected a repeat of such incidents, Dyche responded, “No, I believe I made myself clear back then. Every manager should be passionate about their work. It’s essential to control that passion, as there’s more pressure on managers to do so nowadays. But for me, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. Such exchanges were quite common when I was a player and early in my managerial career. It’s just that these incidents get blown out of proportion now. It’s a regular part of the game.”
“Straight after the game, full of respect, you go ‘fantastic, well done’, that’s the reality as I see it. There’s not a manager I can think of who I’ve properly fallen out with or held a grudge, ever.
“I’ve played against many and met them afterwards, chat with them, and you crack on. No, I’ve never had a problem with Jurgen Klopp or any other manager.
“We just both want the best for our teams, whatever team that is, it was a different team for me then and every manager should do. There’s nothing wrong with showing a bit of passion and commitment to the cause, it didn’t go too far and it probably never will do with me.”
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