Sean Dyche tackles team mentality and character with young lads; professionalism on the big stage.
Orel Mangala disclosed what Sean Dyche said to his Everton teammates in the locker room
after their League Cup loss to Southampton. The midfield player also thinks his team’s season
opening performance can be changed with just one win.
Currently at the bottom of the Premier League standings and without a point,
Everton’s dismal start to the season continued on Tuesday when they lost to Southampton
at Goodison Park on penalties. After Taylor Harwood-Bellis cancelled off Abdoulaye Doucoure’s
opening goal in the first half, the game ended 1-1.
Ashley Young needed to score to keep his team in the match after both teams
scored their first five penalties, but Alex McCarthy stopped his spot kick.
“A really annoying evening,” Mangala remarked. “I thought the game was good.
It hurts a lot to lose on penalties because we had plenty of opportunities but were unable to convert them.
Mangala responded, “He definitely decided that we showed character,
And that’s why he wanted to see a team that showed mentality and character
with young lads in the team who could show themselves on the big stage.”
when asked what Dyche told the Everton players in the dressing room.
“I think there are plenty of positives to take from the game,
and we will go to Leicester on Saturday to try and get the three points.”
Next up for the Blues is an away game against Leicester City at the King Power on Saturday afternoon.
So far on the road this season, the Blues have conceded seven goals in two games.
But despite the disappointing start, Mangala believes one victory is all it will take
to turn his side’s fortunes around.
“I think we now have a couple of good challenges; we are looking forward to it,” he said.
“I think it’s a matter of if we win one game, it will change, and we will definitely have a run.
We’ll try to start on Saturday.”
On transfer deadline day, Everton signed Mangala from Lyon for a season-long loan.
The 26-year-old Belgium international only signed a contract with the French team in July.
spending almost £15 million; however, he did play for Nottingham Forest on loan during the previous campaign.
The midfielder, who started his first game for the Blues against the Saints
after starting on the bench against Aston Villa over the weekend,
is happy to be back in the Premier League despite acknowledging that the past few weeks have flown by.
“It was good; it was great,” Mangala replied when asked about his first start at Goodison.
“I think playing in front of the fans for the first time was a good feeling for me.
“I was anticipating this. We were unfortunate not to win today.
but I have no doubt that we will eventually. Numerous things occurred.
After the international break, we played at Villa; I returned, and I was given my first start.
“It passes by quickly, but I’m feeling happy since I’m adjusting in really well.
To be honest, I missed the Premier League. I really enjoy this league.
“I’m thrilled to be back. I really enjoyed my time in the league at Forest.
So I know a little bit about the pace and demands of the league.”
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