Sean Dyche admits coming to Everton “was an opportunity I couldn’t resist” while outlining that “consistent values” are what he’s looking for from his players whether they win, lose or draw.
Dyche, who steered the Blues to a 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal in his first game in charge, had been out of work since his nine-and-a-half year tenure at Burnley ended on Good Friday last year but insisted he was unfazed by the competition for the role from ex-Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa.
He said: “It was an opportunity I couldn't resist. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind about the noises about other manger. I said 'no problem.' Different managers take roles for different reasons in business but in football it is almost like 'whoah... why have they been brought in?'
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“A business is still a football business and you can still bring a manager in who can do a specific role at a specific time for the club. They felt I was right at this time, I feel I'm right at this time for this club and I will work as hard as I can for it and then they might decide they want a different way of working.
"But when I got the opportunity there was no question I wasn't coming. That was it and hopefully my chance to play my part in first of all securing the history of Everton and then building on the back of that. And then one day someone else takes over and I will hope I have left it in better shape than when I got here.”
Dyche, who told his Burnley side last April that this Everton team “don’t know how to win” is already attempting to stamp his own identity on the players but maintains that is not a dig at his predecessor Frank Lampard or his methods. He said: “A few people have made out I have been critical [of the previous manger] and I haven't been and I have never done that.
"I can only talk about my style and how I operate. A few of the players have criticised themselves and admitted they felt they let the last manager down. I think Seamus (Coleman) said that and sometimes players have to hold their hands up. Let's clear that one up.
"I have a way of operating and it starts with the base. What you saw against Arsenal was the base requirement of what I believe is right for the team – any team. Then we hope to allow the freedom to come when that base is in place. They are good footballers, sometimes we just forget.
“A season or so ago some of these players were being absolutely lauded and cheered off the pitch every week. It is not that long ago.
“They are here for a reason and sometimes you have to remind them of that. It is Everton Football Club and you are not here unless you are a good player, we show them some of what they have done in the past, their histories, what they have achieved. I said you are good footballers, so I reminded them about that.
“All the noise about transfers. They better be good to bring them in here.
“We worked really hard I can assure you. I was physically there all the hours, joining in all the phone calls, we worked really hard but don’t lose sight of what is here already. That is one of my biggest beliefs.”
Regardless of results, Dyche insists that he will maintain certain expectations from Everton's players. He said: "Consistent values is what I am after.
"It is not just win or lose. Win or lose, the consistency stays the same and your work ethic stays the same.
"Authenticity is a word I used at the last place and that is the fact you can come in and do the right things all of the time but it does take time. The Big Brother cameras are on.
"I am not stupid, I have been in the game for a long time: the Big Brother cameras are on, everyone is on their best behaviour, we are polished and shiny. What about when that eases down?
"Are we still doing the right things, giving everything to the cause, are we still aligned, is every player’s nose still pointing in the right direction. But consistent values and way of working that is how I work.
"I will enjoy that (the win over Arsenal). People say do you enjoy that? Trust me I will enjoy that but I have already parked that.
"That will be a couple of beers, that’s a good start, right what are we doing Monday how are we moving forward. I enjoy the end of the season.
"That is when I enjoy it. The end of the season when we have got the job done.
"Obviously it is slightly different this season but let's make sure we know what we are doing to secure our situation. That is the bit I enjoy. This is just another little bit in between."
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