Premier League: Everton manager Sean Dyche has emphasized the importance of staying grounded as his in-form side prepares to face a struggling Manchester City team in a highly anticipated Boxing Day encounter at the Etihad.
Despite City’s recent poor form—losing nine of their last 12 matches—the reigning champions’ pedigree under Pep Guardiola remains undeniable. Dyche is wary of underestimating them, stating, “They haven’t all become terrible players overnight.
He [Guardiola] certainly is not a terrible manager.”
Everton, on the other hand, have enjoyed a significant turnaround, with just two defeats in their last 12 games in the Premier League after a dismal start to the season.
Dyche credited his team’s progress but acknowledged there’s still work to be done: “We still need to win more games and score more goals.
It’s not like you go there and think, ‘We’re going to win just because.’ We’ve got to go and deliver a performance.”
Dyche praised Guardiola’s resilience, pointing out that even the best managers face challenging periods. “You’d think at some point it happens, even to the best, and he is arguably one of the best,” he said.
Everton will be without Ashley Young, who is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card in the Premier League.
However, club captain Seamus Coleman is set to return to the starting lineup after an injury-plagued campaign. Dyche expressed confidence in Coleman, describing him as “super fit” and a player who has fully upheld his commitment to the team.
The Boxing Day clash promises to be a test of character for both teams, with Everton seeking to capitalize on their momentum and Manchester City aiming to halt their unexpected slump in the Premier League.