Sean Dyche has clarified that his subdued reaction to Everton securing their Premier League status was based on his belief that avoiding relegation is not an accomplishment worth celebrating, writes the LiverpoolEcho.
On the final day of the Premier League season, Everton’s victory over Bournemouth ensured their survival in the top flight, while Leicester City and Leeds United were relegated to the Sky Bet Championship.
In a tense match at Goodison Park, Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a crucial goal, perhaps one of the most significant in his career and in Everton’s history, securing all three points against Gary O’Neil’s team.
In contrast to a year ago when Frank Lampard joyfully celebrated a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace by dancing on top of a directors’ box, history did not repeat itself on this occasion.
After referee Stuart Attwell blew the final whistle, a small group of fans invaded the pitch, displaying a mix of euphoria and relief. However, after acknowledging the supporters and exchanging handshakes with members of the Bournemouth coaching staff, Dyche made his way down the tunnel and back to his team’s dressing room.
“I expect more from the Everton players and myself, so I expect us to not be in that position,” Dyche revealed when asked about his celebrations.
“I thought we did a lot of work to not be in that position; there’s been a lot of injuries and suspensions and all that, but I was more like, ‘What are you celebrating really?’
“We’re Everton Football Club, and I’m Everton manager. I’m not celebrating just scraping by; that’s not what I went there to do. Of course it’s a longer-term job to remodel it, reshape it, and move forward again.”