Sean Dyce, Emphasizes The Importance Of The Merseyside Derby For Everton

Sean Dyche, Everton manager, consider the Merseyside derby important (photo: Twitter @everton)

JAKARTA - Sean Dyche, Everton manager, expressed his views in connection with his team's preparations ahead of the upcoming Merseyside Derby match. With careful preparation, Dyche emphasized the importance of his team's focus on facing this important match, which has a special meaning for Everton fans.

"When it was something that surrounds your life, it became something different. I'm still relatively new at Everton and I keep learning. It means a lot to people. It's a big game, but it's more about our focus on getting through it and concentrating on our performances because in general I think they're still strong, but we're going to face the top team," Dyche said, during a press conference with the media ahead of Liverpool vs Everton's match, Saturday, January 21 at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool.

Following the news about the absence of several key players such as Dele Alli, Andre Gomes, and Seamus Coleman, Dyche provided updates on their condition, with the hope that players such as Idrissa Gana Gueye could return to make a significant contribution on the field.

"The (Liverpool) track record is very strong, they are a very good team, we know that. Our track record needs to be changed there, we know that. It hasn't been much of a win. But it's a difficult place to visit, and I don't think we're going to listen to the noise around it, we try not to do that, but there's a lot of noise, and that's natural," he said.

The importance of the match at Anfield was also emphasized by Dyche, with his statement showing determination to change Everton's poor record at Liverpool's headquarters. However, he also stressed the need to stay focused and not be disturbed by the surrounding atmosphere.

"The most important thing now is to stay focused. We don't want to get carried away (by the atmosphere). It's not that easy with all the noise and all the preparations, but the players are in good shape right now, and we want it to continue," he said.

Dyche also discussed the vital role of major striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the emergence of young player James Garner, who continues to show impressive performance improvements.

Not only that, in dealing with reports about the Fair Play Financial investigation, Dyche remains neutral and shows a cautious attitude in commenting, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the results of further investigations.

With thorough preparation and a strong focus, Everton is determined to face Merseyside Derby with confidence and a high fighting spirit.