LIVERPOOL: While securing results on the pitch is undoubtedly Sean Dyche’s primary focus, the Everton manager insists that his work during the club’s turbulent two-year period should be assessed by more than just match outcomes. Since taking charge in January 2023, Dyche has navigated a series of challenges, including an eight-point deduction for financial breaches, a prolonged search for new ownership, and the ongoing construction of a new stadium.
Despite these obstacles, Dyche’s side has successfully avoided relegation in both of his seasons in charge, and they are currently fighting another battle against the drop. Sitting 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone, Everton faces a crucial test as they visit seventh-placed Bournemouth on Saturday.
When questioned about getting the best out of his players, Dyche acknowledged the complexity of the task but emphasized the broader context of his work at Everton.
“My job here has been endless, but nobody really cares… we’ve saved hundreds of millions of pounds, wages, and streamlined the squad,” the 53-year-old said. “It’s not relevant, it’s just, ‘Go win a game.'”
He continued, “It depends how you measure it. I know the work we’ve done here. I know the financial work we’ve done, the development of players. The players here are worth 10 times more than they were when we got here, so there’s clear development.”
Dyche’s tenure at Everton has also involved difficult decisions, including the sale of several key players in the summer of 2023 to avoid breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. Between June and September 2023, the club sold and released 19 players, including star midfielder Alex Iwobi, who moved to Fulham.
“Some managers get the luxury of focusing purely on the team because everything else is in place. That hasn’t been the case here, and it still isn’t. There’s a long way to go,” Dyche remarked.
Everton’s struggles on the field continue, with the team having won only one of their last 10 matches. They also have the second-worst attacking record in the league, scoring just 15 goals in 18 games.
“If you measure success purely on winning games, we need to do better, I need to do better,” Dyche admitted. “But if you measure it on the whole job, I’m pretty happy with what we’ve achieved so far.”
