“It’s NOT Dyche; the Players or Board BUT…” – EX-Liverpool Forward Points Finger at a PARTICULAR Department at Everton for the Poor Performances So Far…

The Blame Game: Dean Saunders Defends Sean Dyche Amidst Everton’s Injury Crisis

Everton’s dismal start to the season has sparked widespread criticism, with many pointing fingers at manager Sean Dyche. However, former Liverpool forward Dean Saunders has come to Dyche’s defense, arguing that the club’s medical team bears significant responsibility for the Toffees’ woes.

Saunders’ comments, made on TalkSPORT, highlighted the alarming number of muscle injuries plaguing Everton’s squad. The former Liverpool striker drew parallels with Liverpool’s similar struggles in previous seasons, suggesting that the issue lies deeper than Dyche’s tactics.

A Pre-Season Program Gone Wrong?

“If you’re getting muscle injuries early in the season, you’re getting your pre-season all wrong,” Saunders emphasized. “The sports scientists tell you every day, ‘that session was hard, that has taken it out of this player.’ They’ve got a load of injuries, and Sean will question where it’s gone wrong.”

Saunders’ assessment is backed by evidence. Everton’s injury list reads like a who’s who of key players, with Jarrad Branthwaite, Dwight McNeil, and others sidelined. The Toffees’ once-watertight defense has been patched together, shipping 13 Premier League goals in just four matches.

A Familiar Story

Saunders pointed to Liverpool’s similar struggles in previous seasons, as well as Manchester United and Chelsea’s experiences, to drive home his point.

“It happened to Liverpool a couple of years ago, and last year at Manchester United and Chelsea,” Saunders noted. “These aren’t twisted ACLs or whatever – it’s a lot of injury problems, so you’re clearly doing something wrong.”

The pattern is clear: muscle injuries early in the season often indicate a flawed pre-season program. Everton’s medical team, tasked with preparing the players for the grueling Premier League campaign, must shoulder some of the blame.

Dyche’s Dilemma

Sean Dyche, hailed as a defensive specialist, has been forced to experiment with unfamiliar lineups due to the injury crisis. Dwight McNeil, once a goal-scoring threat, has been deployed at left-back in the EFL Cup.

The 53-year-old manager faces an unenviable task: navigating the treacherous waters of the Premier League with a depleted squad. Dyche’s tactical acumen will be tested, but Saunders’ comments suggest that the root cause of Everton’s woes lies elsewhere.

Takeover Talks Complicate Matters

As Everton struggles on the pitch, takeover talks continue to surround the club. Farhad Moshiri’s potential sale of the club has sparked uncertainty, with fans wondering what the future holds.

The injury crisis and poor results have only added to the sense of unease. Saunders’ comments, while defending Dyche, highlight the need for a thorough examination of Everton’s behind-the-scenes operations.

A Call to Action

Everton’s hierarchy must take a hard look at the club’s medical team and pre-season program. The Toffees’ injury crisis is not solely Dyche’s fault, but rather a symptom of a broader issue.

As the season wears on, Everton’s injury woes will eventually subside. Players will return from the treatment table, and Dyche will have a fuller squad at his disposal.

However, until then, the Toffees must navigate the challenging landscape of the Premier League with a depleted squad. Saunders’ comments serve as a reminder that the blame game is rarely straightforward, and that sometimes, the root cause of a problem lies hidden beneath the surface.

Conclusion

Dean Saunders’ defense of Sean Dyche sheds light on the complexities surrounding Everton’s injury crisis. While Dyche faces significant challenges, the club’s medical team and pre-season program must share the blame.

As Everton struggles to find its footing in the Premier League, one thing is clear: the Toffees’ woes run deeper than tactics alone. It’s time for the club to take a hard look in the mirror and address the underlying issues plaguing Goodison Park.

Will Everton’s injury crisis improve in the coming weeks? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – the Toffees’ struggles serve as a stark reminder that success in the Premier League requires more than just tactical prowess.