James Tarkowski has revealed the ‘important’ traits that he loves about Sean Dyche.
Speaking to The Times, the Everton defender praised the manager for how he treats the players after spending eight years under the 52-year-old.
Dyche replaced Frank Lampard at Everton in January, nine months after he was sacked by Burnley as they sat inside the relegation zone – four points behind the Toffees.
The former defender’s arrival at Goodison Park meant a reunion with Tarkowski, who he had signed from Brentford seven years earlier.
The 30-year-old was a regular under Dyche at Turf Moor and has since continued his importance, netting in his first game in charge against Arsenal and since maintaining his pace in the starting line-up.
James Tarkowski appreciates the ‘honesty’ of Sean Dyche at Everton
Tarkowski has formed a very close relationship with his manager over the years and has heaped praise on him, despite a difficult start to the campaign.
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“He’s honest. That’s one of the most important things, as a player, you want from a manager. Honesty,” he told The Times.
“And demanding. He’s demanding. He’s good with us as well, he treats us like men, which is nice.”
Tarkowski has admitted that while he loves Dyche, the game plan set out for Everton under his supervision is certainly not ‘simple’. The Toffees boss implements a 4-1-4-1 formation.
“It’s not a ‘simple’ game but it’s very straightforward,” Tarkowski said.
“The gaffer calls it ‘freedom and framework’. He gives us the framework and the freedom to go and play. It’s simplistic to an extent but he trusts in the players to go and do the job.”
The centre-back has captained Everton in their opening two fixtures after the armband was passed over to him from Jordan Pickford in Seamus Coleman’s absence.
While Tarkowski leads the backline, it is the likes of Ashley Young and Michael Keane who came under heavy criticism following the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa.