By acknowledging that livelihoods are on the line, Sean Dyche has given Everton’s squad a blunt reminder of what is at stake, writes the Daily Mail.
The team has only managed one away win all season and is set to face a well-managed team led by Roberto De Zerbi who are currently pursuing a European spot. Following their visit to the Amex, Everton will be playing against Manchester City, who are on the verge of clinching the title, before traveling to Wolves.
The campaign concludes with a home fixture against Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
Dyche said: ‘The next four games not only affect people’s futures but people’s lives and livelihoods. That is football. That is the challenge. It is right there in front of your eyes.’
‘Motivation does not win games,’ Dyche responded. ‘Performance wins games. Motivation adds to the performance, of course. We have shown enough that we can win games. It is piecing it together at the right times.
‘The key moments are in the games. Things around that in the departments still need to be done. Otherwise you are just putting a sticking plaster on something.
‘There is loads going on behind the results. But the results are still the key thing. It is just how it is. We need to get the job done, get to the summer then start all the big stuff.’
‘The bigger picture has to be shaping the whole club to get it in the right direction. It can’t just be, “Oh, we have stayed up again!” That is not building anything. That is just surviving. We want to be growing.’