“It is obvious we still have a long way to go” ANGRY Sean Dyche gives honest verdict on Everton defeat to Coventry as new injury confirmed and….

Everton FC manager Sean Dyche was left frustrated and disappointed after his team’s 3-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Coventry City. Despite acknowledging that fitness is more important than results at this stage, Dyche expected more from his players, particularly in terms of competitiveness.

The Blues slumped to a 3-0 loss after they were out-thought and out-fought by their Championship opponents at the CBS Arena. Fitness remains a priority for Dyche, but he was keen to point out that he demanded more than the display that was delivered on Tuesday night.

While mitigating factors were present, including a lengthy injury list and an opposition further advanced in their preparation for the new campaign, the Everton boss added that he expected improvements at Preston North End on Saturday.

Dyche praised the performances of Michael Keane and new signing Tim Iroegbunam, but felt that the team as a whole was lacking in competitiveness. He emphasized that he wants players to show their edge and competitiveness, especially with several key players currently injured.

The Everton boss is hoping for improvements in their next friendly match against Preston North End, where he expects some players to return from injury, including James Tarkowski and Idrissa Gueye. However, forward Youssef Chermiti has sustained a foot injury, the severity of which is still being assessed.

Dyche emphasized the importance of building strength in depth at Everton FC, especially with the current financial constraints. He is looking for players to step up and show their capabilities, particularly with the new season approaching.

“We can start filling out the squad again, which is really important. This is Everton Football Club. We need that strength in depth that we are attempting to build in the best way we can with the finances available,” Dyche said.

The defeat to Coventry City was a painful reminder of Everton’s shortcomings, particularly in terms of depth and quality. However, Dyche remains optimistic about the team’s prospects for the new season.

“I know how competitive the Championship teams are. I thought they [Coventry] were super-competitive tonight. We weren’t as competitive. I am expecting a little bit of a delay on that from our group because we are missing some important players, too many at the moment – that is out of our hands with injuries, but really I am looking for players to go ‘go on then, show us, show us the edge that you want, show us the edge that you know that you can step in and put doubt in our mind’,” Dyche said.

Dyche’s comments suggest that he is looking for more competitiveness and edge from his players, and he hopes to see improvements in their upcoming friendly matches. With the new season approaching, Everton FC needs to build strength in depth and quality to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.

The Blues have been active in the transfer market this summer, signing several new players, including Iroegbunam and Jake O’Brien. However, Dyche knows that more needs to be done to strengthen the squad.

“We are working hard to bring in the right players, but it’s not easy. We have to be patient and make sure we get the right players for the team,” Dyche said.

Everton FC’s pre-season campaign has been disrupted by injuries, with several key players currently sidelined. However, Dyche is hopeful that some of these players will return soon.

“We are missing some important players, but we are hoping to get some of them back soon. That will make a big difference to the team,” Dyche said.

The Blues face Preston North End on Saturday in their next friendly match, and Dyche is expecting a tough test.

“Preston are a good team, and it will be a tough game. But we need to be tested, and we need to see how we react under pressure,” Dyche said.

Overall, Dyche’s comments suggest that he is looking for more competitiveness and edge from his players, and he hopes to see improvements in their upcoming friendly matches. With the new season approaching, Everton FC needs to build strength in depth and quality to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.