Abdoulaye Doucoure had a great relationship with Sean Dyche during his tenure at Everton.
The pair were a big reason why Everton stayed in the Premier League last season, as Doucoure’s goals and Dyche’s formidable defence got them over the line.
Doucoure was arguably Dyche’s best player at Everton as his seven goals from midfield saw safety become a certainty.
Five goals the season before that also helped the Toffees in a relegation battle as all credit has to be given to Dyche for transforming the 32-year-old.
With David Moyes in and Dyche now out, Doucoure revealed the message he said to the former Everton manager before he departed.
Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure shares his message to Sean Dyche
Dyche did get ridiculed for his style of play which was warranted at times.
Jake O’Brien was someone who didn’t get his chance under Dyche, as O’Brien claimed Moyes’ football is more possession-based compared to Dyche’s older approach.
However, Doucoure has revealed what he thinks of Dyche’s criticism towards the back end of his career at Goodison Park.
Speaking to the Overlap Breakdown, Doucoure defended his old manager.
“People just misunderstood a little bit Sean Dyche because obviously he’s old fashioned and he used to coach Burnley, the way they play,” Doucoure said.
“But with Everton to be honest, he did a fantastic job, to be honest. Without him, maybe you won’t be in the Premier League.
“So people have to understand that, they have to respect that.
“I said to him when he left, I said, people are going to be really grateful for you one day. Because I think he came in the toughest time in the Everton period.”
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Dyche praised Doucoure calling him the ‘shining light’ at Everton
The pair had a special bond at Everton and it doesn’t come as a shock that Doucoure speaks so well of Dyche.
He must have been relieved to see the back of Frank Lampard who disrespected Doucoure at Everton, as Dyche gave the midfielder a fresh start.
Speaking on Doucoure in December 2023 ahead of Everton’s win against Burnley, Dyche heaped massive praise on the Frenchman, explaining how he made a great turnaround after Lampard.
“He wasn’t in the situation he wanted to be in when we got here,” said Dyche.
“I’d always liked him as a player when he was at Watford.
“I gave him belief, we thrust him back into the side and he has never really looked back.
“He’s been a shining light.”
Whatever happens with Doucoure’s future at Everton, it will be quite hard for Moyes to top his performances under Dyche.
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