Sean Dyche Discusses Derby Postponement, Player Fitness, and Club Strategy

Ahead of Everton’s Premier League match against Arsenal on Saturday (15:00 GMT kick-off), manager Sean Dyche addressed the media. The following are the main points from his press conference: Regarding the postponement of the Merseyside derby due to Storm Darragh, Dyche stated: “We came off a big result [against Wolves] in the week which might have added more feel. It was a blow for sure, all parties wanted it to be played, but safety had to come first. We park that and move forwards until next time.” Following the rescheduled Liverpool match, Dyche confirmed that Seamus Coleman, Youssef Chermiti, Nathan Patterson, Jake O’Brien, and Armando Broja participated in a private friendly game. The Everton manager also stated that Michael Keane has “come through” his injury, having been “touch and go” for the previous fixture. However, Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are expected to be out for a “little while” longer. Addressing negative views on teams, including Everton and Arsenal, that excel at set-pieces, Dyche remarked: “I’m not bothered. People just twist and turn situations to their liking. It’s the way life is. Finding different ways of winning is what I have always been trying to achieve, with whatever group I’m working with.” He further elaborated: “Sometimes there are certain clever ones that catch people out, but generally it is down to delivery and intent. It’s something I have always preached strongly to groups I have worked with. It is not always about clever movement, just the simple basic of a top delivery and attacking it. That sometimes gets overlooked. But I know the box I live in – that’s the way it goes.” Dyche commented on the need to “learn to relish all parts of the Premier League” in anticipation of a challenging schedule, which includes matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City. He noted that “Tough runs can come out of nowhere” but affirmed that the Blues are “looking for ways to try and make it work and win games”. Regarding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract status, he described it as “an ongoing one,” adding: “He will have his things to think about, the club as well, the ownership, all these things have to combine.” Dyche asserted that Everton “will manage it as best we can.” When asked if he had discussed the January transfer window with Kevin Thelwell, Dyche responded: “Yeah. As I said recently, the current situation wouldn’t allow much to be done anyway. It is just the nature of the situation of where the club is financially. It may change but we will just have to wait and see.”