Dominic Calvert-Lewin shares how Everton players responded to points deduction threat
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has revealed Sean Dyche has taken the burden of worrying about a possible points deduction at Everton and allowed the players to focus on their performances.
The striker claimed that any worries about the punishment haven’t crept in since the news was reported and that the players were focused on getting three points against West Ham.
The Telegraph shared on 25 October that the Premier League have recommended a 12-point deduction if Everton are found to be in breach of financial rules, but Calvert-Lewin says that’s not for the players to worry about.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo on 30 October, Calvert-Lewin was asked about whether the news had affected their mentality ahead of the game when he said: “We’re professionals and can’t control what goes on above our heads. We focus on playing throughout the week and can’t concern ourselves with that.
“The manager takes that burden for us and shares the message that we are going to block it out. I can honestly say it’s not crept in this week.
“It was about putting it right this weekend and winning the game. I wouldn’t say it’s that difficult for me personally, and I’m sure I speak for a lot of the lads.”
Important to keep the focus
If the players allow distraction to creep in, it would be easy for their performances to dip. For Dyche to have eased their concerns by taking the burden on his own shoulders and turning the focus to their game rather than off-pitch matters shows his experience.
Calvert-Lewin is right, the players can’t control what happens behind the scenes at the club. They can’t affect the outcome of the investigation and they have no say on the takeover, but what they can do is put in performances and earn the points on the pitch.
The victory at the London Stadium was a huge three points for Everton regardless of the ongoing context of the season, and proved the players are capable of pulling off big results.
With all of the off-pitch turmoil surrounding multiple investigations and accusations, fans can take solace in the fact that Dyche, Calvert-Lewin and the rest of this Everton team are putting in the work to ensure they do their bit to help the club win games.
In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has shared his “huge” verdict on the 777 takeover.