Everton Manager Sets Reminder For Ipswich Test

Sean Dyche says his Everton team must build on the positive showings from recent games, remaining focused when they face an Ipswich Town side full of “endeavour and belief" on Saturday. 

The Toffees return to action following the international break, as they travel to Portman Road to take on the Tractor Boys in a 3pm kick-off for the first meeting between the two teams since February 2002.

Everton are unbeaten in their past three, with draws against Newcastle United and Leicester City falling either side of a 2-1 comeback win over Crystal Palace.

After a well-earned clean sheet last time out against Newcastle, Dyche – during Thursday’s pre-match press conference – was asked whether his team are displaying more solidity in recent games.

He responded: “We’re showing signs of it – and I think more so in the last game.

“And by no means were we as good as we’ve been in other games, and there’s still work to be done in those performances.

“But we showed that resilience, keeping a clean sheet. We got a lot of the basics right to keep a good side at bay and get a result.

“If we can get the details right at both ends and perform properly and appropriately, then I believe we can win games.”

The Blues are unbeaten in their past five Premier League meetings against promoted sides, winning three and drawing two, and the weekend’s hosts remain winless in their seven Premier League games so far this season. But Dyche recognises his side must be at their best against an opponent who have already proven their “intent”.

“You can’t take these teams for granted,” urged the Everton manager. “Ipswich are full of endeavour, like teams are when they come up. They’ve spent a small fortune – or a recognised fortune – in this level of football for a club who’ve just come up. So, they’re obviously intent on being in the division.

“There are no gimmes. I’ve spoken to bigger managers who’ve done a lot more in the game than me, and they said: ‘You can’t take anything for granted. You just can’t. You have to be right in every game'.

“They did terrific last season. And brought a lot of different players in, adding to it financially, which is not easy for clubs coming up.

“I know the guys there pretty well and I think they’re good operators. They’re learning as they go. The last time out was a tough one. That can happen in the Premier League.

“But from what I’ve seen so far, they’re full of endeavour and full of belief to take it on. That’s what we’ve got to be ready for. “

The Blues look to have difficult fixtures in December, which includes consecutive games against Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.

On whether it’s important for his side to bank points ahead of a tough festive schedule, Dyche was keen to point out the consistent aim of his team, adding: “Our focus has been clear on the challenge right in front of us. We can’t just keep looking at different areas of the league.

 

“We’ve got to make sure we’re right in every game. It’s a belief of mine ever since I’ve been here, and it was a belief of mine at my previous club.

“You can only plan so much looking forwards and this season has been very difficult to plan, anyway. With the injuries we’ve had, it’s been a constant process; constant churn of trying to get players fit.

“For us, at the minute, the next game is really, really important. Be right for that one. We look at who we’ve got available and hopefully no more injuries; hopefully getting people fitter again, and then we move on to the next one.”