Sean Dyche believes the patience he invested in Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s rehabilitation is paying off given the Everton striker is close to recapturing the form that elevated him into the England squad.
Calvert-Lewin recently credited Dyche as a major influence in his recovery from two years of injury torment, having scored in three successive games before producing a superb all-round display in the win over Bournemouth before the international break. The 26-year-old claimed his manager’s willingness to wait until the centre-forward trusted and felt good about his body again was a contrast to rushing back to play “at 60%” under other Everton managers.
“I wouldn’t get involved in what other managers did because everyone has their different style,” said Dyche. “Mine was something I learned as a player, from my own bad moment in time at Bristol City, a horror story when I got booed off mainly because I’d had eight months out with a back injury and in my wisdom, when the manager asked me if I wanted to be captain and play, I agreed. I learned very quickly that I was miles off being match fit. It cost me badly.
“Something needed to change with Dom and I referenced that moment from my playing career. We needed to give him a chance when he’s fit, not when I think he’s fit.
“My goal for him wasn’t about playing. I said I wanted him to come in here in his car, get warmed up, train and go home. Eventually you will find true fitness and, when you are there, your game will come back to where you want it to be. I think he is very close now.”
Dyche has again had to contend with off-field problems before the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday. A hearing into Everton’s alleged breach of Premier League profit and sustainability rules started this week. Everton could face a range of punishments if found guilty by an independent commission, including a fine, transfer embargo or points deduction. The club “strongly contests” the allegation of non-compliance with the league’s profit and sustainability rules.
Everton have also taken a further £20m loan from prospective new owners 777 Partners to cover short-term working capital, taking the total loaned by the company since September to £40m. 777, meanwhile, has denied claims it failed to provide audited financial statements to the Financial Conduct Authority, a regulator in the takeover process.
“I’ve not heard any voices around the changing room speaking about it or around the staff,” said Dyche of the hearing and takeover issues. “Everyone is just focused on what we do.”