Sean Dyche hopes Seamus Coleman’s return from injury will bring much-needed leadership to Everton
Sean Dyche hopes Seamus Coleman’s return from hamstring injury will give Everton some much-needed leadership as he questions his relegation-threatened side’s mentality after dismal defeat at Newcastle
- Sean Dyche hopes the return of Seamus Coleman will bring leadership to the team
- Coleman has missed the Toffees the last three games with a hamstring problem
- Everton go to Leicester on Monday for a crucial game in their relegation battle
Everton manager Sean Dyche hopes the return of captain Seamus Coleman will help bring some much needed leadership to his relegation-threatened side.
The Republic of Ireland international has missed the last three games with a hamstring problem and in that time the Toffees have taken just one point, conceded seven and even in the goalless draw at Crystal Palace they seemed overexposed at right-back.
Coleman is expected to be fit to regain his place in the team and strengthen a flank that has stand-ins Mason Holgate, who was sent off for two yellow cards at Selhurst Park, and Ben Godfrey looking out of their depth.
The 34-year-old is also the most forward option of the three when it comes to being confident enough to overlap offensively, but it’s his experience that may be most needed as they head into a must-win game against fellow fighters Leicester.
“He is a very important player with his history and knowledge of the club,” said Dyche.
Sean Dyche looks forward to Seamus Coleman returning to help his Everton side
Coleman has missed the last three games for the Toffees due to a hamstring problem
“He’s been a loss to us so we look forward to his return.
Until the second goal (in Thursday’s 4-1 home defeat to Newcastle) it was a very good performance, but after the second goal that is the big challenge for me.
Where has the mentality gone? How quickly did that change? Who picks it up again?
Who on our team says ‘fine, okay, let’s rethink what we’re doing here’ because we weren’t a million miles away? You can’t wait for it to happen.’
Everton are looking to recover after the disappointing home defeat to Newcastle
Newcastle’s defeat was hugely damaging, not only because it left them with just two home games – one against Manchester City – to extend their 69-year top-flight stay, but also the effect it had on morale.
Players looked shot dead at the final whistle, as Goodison Park was half empty as the supporters who lined the streets to greet the team coach with their fireworks and flags headed for the exits after Newcastle’s third went in.
Asked if he thought the team had lost fans, Dyche added: “I don’t think so. I think they will support the club to the end.’