Everton may have just got the fighter and figurehead…

Everton may have just got the fighter and figurehead they desperately need

“I think fans don't mind that. They want to see two managers fight for their teams, for their clubs, standing up.”

Those were the words of Sean Dyche as he brushed off questions about a previous touchline spat with Jurgen Klopp. The sentiment is one many supporters will agree with and is an indication of just what Everton will get from their new Blues while he is in the dugout.

Passion, determination and a willingness to fight for the club were qualities demonstrated at their raucous, powerful best by the supporters at Goodison Park against Arsenal. If they are reflected on the pitch and on the touchline then Everton will have every chance of making progress under this new regime.

In the past fortnight a blue microscope has been placed on Dyche. Every word in his new job has been scrutinised and the actions and messages and results and performances of his past pored over by fans desperate for signs of hope and optimism after a dismal post-Christmas slump from the Blues.

For anyone who has looked, it is clear Dyche is a more complex character than his critics would have you believe. From his vision of harnessing inspiration from the Everton squad of the 80s to the tactical insight given in his Coaches Voice analysis of his win at Anfield with Burnley, there is a lot to like so far. It was the row with Klopp during that January 2021 win over Liverpool that he referred to in the quote that started this piece of writing. The two managers had a heated chat in the tunnel at half-time after a feisty opening 45 minutes. With Dyche set to return to Anfield on Monday the incident was, predictably, the foundation for a line of questioning at Finch Farm in the pre-Merseyside derby press conference on Friday.

Asked if he was ready to renew his 'rivalry' with Klopp, he said: "There's no renewing it. It's just two managers playing against each other's teams. There was nothing in that… I think fans don't mind that. They want to see two managers fight for their teams, for their clubs, standing up. After the game it's gone, for me it's done. That's it. End of. That used to be a more regular occurrence in football. Maybe not so much now. It used to be nothing [but] it makes a story."

During his debut in the Goodison dugout, Dyche spent most of the game just outside his technical box. He did not stop as he issued orders and remonstrated over decisions that went against him. In Everton’s position the club needs leaders, figureheads and fighters. If Dyche is willing to roll up his sleeves and back his players, and his club’s fans on the touchline, then few in blue will have any complaints. It could be crucial to setting the tone for a successful and desperately-needed climb up the table.

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