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I’ve talked a lot about the importance of injecting belief and confidence into our players and those qualities will be vital today.

We understand the scale of our task this evening but must have complete faith in our ability to compete with Manchester City. I know the potential in our team and it is vital that we quickly learn to sustain a certain standard of performance.

There was a dip beneath our base level at Southampton last week. We faded after a good start and our reaction when we conceded the first goal was not what we expect. We lost too many individual duels and our intensity dropped when the game started going against us.

It was in complete contrast to the game with Leeds United here a fortnight ago, when we were aggressive, compact, pressed from the front and repeatedly backed each other up.

My emotions were running high when I said afterwards that it was a special performance.

But I’ve watched the game back and completely stand by that assessment. Everyone worked so hard and there was a real desire to get the clean sheet.

We created chances – 21 shots over 90 minutes is a very good return – and for the second straight game at Goodison the opposition goalkeeper had a busy afternoon.

I wrote last time about the atmosphere against Brentford, which blew me away. If anything, the noise and passion for the Leeds game felt even more intense.

I can’t overstate the effect of your support on the players. When you’re on the pitch and feel that backing, you want to run all day; to repay that amazing support with assertive and exciting football.

Of course, we are well aware we can’t just reserve that energy and positivity for our home games and we’re trying to reverse some patterns away from Goodison that have become ingrained over a long period.

I never expected an overnight change in some of the issues that needed addressing. We weren’t going to wake up one day and suddenly have a real resilience in tough moments, or the confidence to continue passing well when we’re on the back foot.

It takes time to bed in those things, so they become second nature. Southampton were a good example of a side that have had an extended period with their manager, they have overcome some difficulties and matured into a well-coached, coherent and efficient team.

Instilling different behaviours and establishing an identity are part of an ongoing process and factored into our work every day.

But we can’t get too caught up in the bigger picture right now. Our total focus is on this evening’s match against Manchester City. There is no shying away from our predicament and we need to find ways to get the results that will pull us away from the bottom end of the table.

There were a few things that needed working on straight away after Southampton and that is where the focus has been this week.

I have walked into a dressing room where the spirit and togetherness are fantastic and that gives you a head start as a manager. It’s not something you take for granted when you’re coming to a club where results haven’t been good.

The attitude and hunger in training have been spot on from the first day – but like I said before we played Brentford in my first game, you’re judged on what happens on the field, not what you do between Monday and Friday.

We welcome Pep Guardiola and the staff and players of Manchester City.

Nobody needs telling about the job Pep has done with his club. When they are on song – which is most weeks – they make football look easy, which is the sign of an exceptionally good side, working under an amazing coach

Pep’s recruited really well, identifying players who fit perfectly in his system and give the team fresh impetus every season.

But while we respect City and expect one of our toughest games this season, there is no point being cowed by the challenge.

Why not embrace the opportunity to go up against one of the most complete teams we’ve seen in the Premier League?

We are a good side, too, with the talent and ability to give anyone a game. I know you’ll be right up for this and together we will try to make it another special day.

We look forward to having your fantastic support behind us again.

Frank