What Sean Dyche is doing at Finch Farm as Everton…

What Sean Dyche is doing at Finch Farm as Everton prepare for crucial Bournemouth clash

James Tarkowski has offered an insight into how Sean Dyche is preparing for Everton’s crucial season finale against Bournemouth this weekend.

The Blues head into Sunday’s clash knowing a victory will retain their Premier League status for another season. Dyche’s side secured a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday after Yerry Mina’s equaliser in the ninth minute of added time at Molineux.

But despite the pressure that will come with this weekend’s finale, Tarkowski has revealed that his boss is showing no signs of feeling nervous; instead, he’s cutting a calm and relaxed figure at Finch Farm and is going about his business singing.

He said: “If you see the manager he's walking around singing! He's calm and relaxed. That's just the way he is and I think that rubs off on us in a good way.”

Asked about the message from his boss, Tarkowski replied: “The manager has got a list of team beliefs, which are good.

“'Be relentless' is one of the big ones and 'The minimum requirement is maximum effort' is another he loves. Then there are a few I can't repeat!”

Whereas in 1994 and 1998, Everton’s fate was out of their hands, and they started the final day in the bottom three before scrambling to safety. And Tarkowski admits that the fact that his side is in control of their own destiny is a position they want to be in.

“That's it and that's what we wanted," he told evertonf.com. "I've not focused on other teams too much. Obviously, you see the results but then people try to paint pictures in certain ways.

“Ultimately, it's in our hands. We're in the better position of the three teams down there. We know we need to win and that's all we focus on.

“We're all physically ready to go. We're ready to get out there but we need to be patient and prepare for the game right to make sure we're at our best for Sunday.

“It takes away any temptation to looking over at other teams or hoping someone can do you a favour. It's all about the job we do - how we prepare and how we play. We don't need to be worrying about anyone else.”

Everton started this vital final month of the season with a huge 5-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex, and Tarkowski believes the performance was proof his side have the ability to mix it with the best.

“It shows we're fully capable of going out and performing against the best teams,” he said on the win over Brighton. You mention Brighton - I think they're one of the hardest teams to play against in the league.

“It shows we're capable and if we can get that consistency right we can be a real good side. For now, the focus is just on this weekend and showing that level of performance we know we're capable of.

“There have been other games as well, a couple of good 1-0 home wins over teams like Brentford, who were on a great run. We're more than capable and we need to produce another one of those performances on Sunday.”

And when asked about the prospect of playing at home, the centre-back said: “The fans are incredible home and away.

“But it's a benefit to be playing at home, where we know the fans will be behind us. Their impact is massive - it can change a game, it can turn a game.

“Even on something as minor as winning a throw-in high up the pitch and that roar comes... it can really change the flow of the game.

“We're going to need them this weekend and Bournemouth aren't going to just roll over for us, but I know they'll turn up because they always do. They'll be ready to go, just like we will be.”

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