Everton Boss Dyche Brushes Off Maupay's Social Media Remark

Everton manager Sean Dyche has downplayed Neal Maupay's social media comment mocking the club, saying he's focused on the bigger picture.

Everton manager Sean Dyche has downplayed Neal Maupay's recent social media post mocking the club. Dyche emphasized that he has more pressing concerns than Maupay's online antics.

Maupay's time at Everton has been underwhelming, and his last appearance for the club was in a League Cup victory over Doncaster in August 2023. The French striker is currently on a season-long loan at Marseille, seeing out the final months of his contract in his native France.

Although still technically an Everton player, 28-year-old forward Neal Maupay took to X following the Toffees' loss to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, writing: “Whenever I'm having a bad day, I just check the Everton score and smile.” This comment has sparked a reaction from Everton manager Sean Dyche.

Dyche, speaking ahead of Everton's match away to Bournemouth on Saturday, addressed Maupay's remark, saying: “I think it is fair to say there is a bigger picture to Everton Football Club that I am focusing on and I don't think I need to be too worried about his comments.” When asked if there would be any disciplinary action taken against Maupay, Dyche added: “I don't think we'll be worried about that.”

A more pressing concern for Sean Dyche is Everton's precarious position in the Premier League, with the Toffees now just two points above the relegation zone. As the only ever-present team in the English top flight since 1954, the threat of relegation is a daunting prospect. Dyche must navigate this challenge while also dealing with the financial constraints imposed by the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules.

Despite Everton's recent takeover by the US-based Friedkin Group, Dyche does not anticipate a lavish spending spree in the January transfer window. The club must remain within the Premier League's financial regulations, having been deducted eight points for breaches last season. Dyche, whose contract expires at the end of the season, may have to make do with the same group of players.

Everton is also facing the challenge of retaining striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has been linked with a move to Italian side Atalanta. When asked about the rumors, Dyche said: “There has been no contact from anyone. There is bound to be rumors, that's the nature of it.” He added: “I think we think about that (Calvert-Lewin's future) if it happens but as there has been no contact, no discussion is needed.”

As for bringing in new players, Dyche acknowledged that there are financial constraints in place. He said: “There are (financial) parameters, the owners have made that clear. The one thing it's unlikely to be is hundreds of millions of pounds, whether you have got it or not - and our owners are pretty wealthy.”