Doucouré: It’s up to us to keep Everton in the Premier League
Abdoulaye Doucouré insists that Everton’s players do care about the club’s plight and are determined not to be the ones to end almost seven decades of top flight football at Goodison Park.
The Mali international was back in the starting XI along with Amadou Onana on Thursday evening but neither their return nor the presence up front of Dominic Calvert-Lewin could prevent the Blues from being taken apart in the second half by Newcastle United in what ended up being a 4-1 defeat.
Sean Dyche was critical of his charges’ mentality as they endured a damaging collapse after half-time for a second home game in succession while supporters have questioned the players’ spirit and desire, despite a determined opening half hour against the Magpies that, unfortunately, failed to yield the goal that Everton, on balance, probably deserved.
Doucouré admits that he and his team-mates were a failure on Thursday but he stresses that they are desperate to keep the Toffees in the Premier League, starting with what is an indescribably big clash with fellow strugglers Leicester City on Monday evening.
“It is on my mind every day. It’s what we do for our life,” he said. “Everton is massive for everyone. We know it is so important for the fans and for the people who work for the club.
“As players, we don’t want to take the team down. It’s up to us to keep the club in the Premier League.
“The Newcastle game was a big disappointment but we have to forget this game quickly. It was failure and on Monday we have to be on it. Leicester are a direct opponent also trying to stay in the league so it’s a big game and we have to win. Every game is important.
“There is belief. Losing a game like that at home can make confidence low but we are fighting for our lives. We have to be honest and not feel sorry for ourselves.”
Reader Comments (91)
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2 Posted 30/04/2023 at 00:10:02
Ooooh... the players need to do something about this terrible situation. Too fuckin' right. You were all saying the same thing last year, and what has changed?
Clock's ticking, boys! But I am beginning to feel it's a bit late now. Just Fight for Us.
3 Posted 30/04/2023 at 00:11:10
Knobheads, the lot of you.
4 Posted 30/04/2023 at 00:22:16
Who would do this in our current squad? Maybe Coleman. I fucking hate these sound bites.
5 Posted 30/04/2023 at 00:25:09
6 Posted 30/04/2023 at 00:26:03
7 Posted 30/04/2023 at 03:58:09
8 Posted 30/04/2023 at 05:10:15
9 Posted 30/04/2023 at 06:29:13
You of all people should know that an official apologist is not on the Board's agenda as it's all put down to the super-duper mowers.
Besides, the manager has said that there is a problem with his "charges' mentality", so who better to describe the situation than one of those with a mentality problem who, by his own admission, has it in mind every day, and therein lies the problem.
So, it's goodnight from me and....
10 Posted 30/04/2023 at 06:29:38
I think after a poor display, I would prefer the players to keep their thoughts in-house, and do all the talking on the pitch. Then, when they've put it right, come out and talk to the fans via the media.
Also, it won't just be up to the players, it will be one of the biggest tests that Dyche has faced as a manager, he's got to address the glaring weaknesses in defence.
Sean Dyche and every Evertonian will be waiting for news of Seamus Coleman's fitness, because Godfrey cannot, under any circumstances, continue there. Holgate is better but still a concern, Patterson they have clearly deemed not ready. (Which is hard to come to terms with when witnessing Godfrey being humiliated.)
A massive call as well at central defence, whether to stick with the disappointing Keane or bring in Coady or Mina who have had very little game time. If (a big 'if') Mina is fit and looking sharp in training, he's our best centre-back and I'd start him.
11 Posted 30/04/2023 at 07:08:11
In other words, roughly translating…
"We bollocked up our big night on Thursday when we thought the fans would do the job for us again."
Well, Mr Doucouré, it is up to you and the players to help keep us in the Premier League, yes, considering most of you are responsible for the mess we are in for a second consecutive season.
How about less talk and more action?
12 Posted 30/04/2023 at 07:50:21
13 Posted 30/04/2023 at 07:58:54
We need you guys to act — not talk.
14 Posted 30/04/2023 at 08:14:24
Why do players think they've got to pull their finger out with six games to go???
15 Posted 30/04/2023 at 08:21:14
If the British had given up at Dunkirk, there might not be any Premier League now. Like all of you in #1 to #13, I'm disheartened but there is still a chance that we can recover enough ground to stay up!
Come on guys! UTFT!!!
Players – you fight for your effing lives!
16 Posted 30/04/2023 at 08:29:47
17 Posted 30/04/2023 at 08:36:27
Sounds to me like many of these mercenary-type players are only interested in where their next lucrative contract is going to come from.
19 Posted 30/04/2023 at 08:59:32
He was at his best when James was in the team, and there was some creativity in forward areas. As it is, he spends most of his time chasing shadows, and his main job is to pressure defenders.
So, it appears the PR people are doing what they always do, which is to seek to reassure fans that the players as “on mission†and that they really, really do “careâ€.
I just watched the re-run of that game on Thursday night, and it told me that this group of players do not have the mentality to wrestle results is difficult games; they are desperately short of confidence, and this is where Dyche has to earn his corn in the remaining games.
20 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:11:05
21 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:29:21
Some of them must now be worried if relegated, they could see their salaries halved — how the fuck is a man supposed to put food on the table on 㿅k a week?
They are really going to suffer.
22 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:30:34
If he'd offered part of his wages up, I'd have had some respect for him as he got 3 weeks off work for being stupid and was still paid for it.
23 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:31:12
So sick and tired of these mentality losers masquerading as footballers.
This current crop have removed all my joy for watching Everton.
24 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:40:14
If Everton can get at least a point against Leicester… Wolves away is looking winnable now and then we can take it into the final home game against Bournemouth.
All is not lost yet… but may be if we get beaten by Leicester.
25 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:48:28
#OverBarTheShouting.
26 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:50:03
You knew, and we all knew at least 10 games ago, that results had to improve in order to stay in the Premier League.
It is an understatement to say that we are in trouble, because of the decisions of Board Member,, Directors of Football, Managers and players in seasons gone by.
The impact on the existence of our club relies upon staying in the Premier League. The consequences of relegation may be catastrophic. How embarrassing to have a fantastic new stadium crowned with playing in the Championship.
We need three wins to ensure survival out of five games. Leicester, Wolves and Bournemouth, are the only ones we have realistic chances of beating or getting enough points from.
27 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:55:03
28 Posted 30/04/2023 at 09:59:15
Also, try passing to the other blokes in the blue tops and kicking the little round white thing into the big rectangle at the end a bit more. Cheers.
It's really win or bust at Leicester, isn't it. And we all know that's not going to happen. I'm fully resigned to the Championship.
29 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:00:13
Not the best player, but at least he works very hard, and “real†hard work definitely covers a multitude of sins against most teams.
We are though a team that lacks leadership, so the chances of any Everton player trying to dig out his teammates to stand up and be counted are very, very remote.
I think it was really poor how badly Dyche reacted to Doucouré being suspended with regards to changing a formation that was grinding us to safety. But it's any three from five now so it's absolutely imperative Everton get a result tomorrow night.
Leicester were one of the best teams to play at Goodison this season but they are down there for a reason and are a team that thrives off space. Don't fucking give them any space tomorrow night, Everton.
30 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:02:40
I just watched the highlights of our win at the King Power last season. In the team were Holgate (who scored), Keane and Mina, Seamus and Mykolenko (who scored a worldy).
Doucouré also featured. Two who were also there were Gordon and Richarlison. Pickford performed heroically to preserve the points.
Incidentally there was a terrible collision between Keane and Coleman to present them with their equaliser. I wonder if a back five is the key?
Hopefully Dyche will play the tape to the team and they can remember that we can win away.
31 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:04:47
Who actually cares? Pickford, Coady, Coleman, Gana? Most players will just shrug their shoulders if we go down and ask their agent to find them a new club.
We are the ones who care and we are the ones who aren't responsible but who are stuck with it.
32 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:12:06
It is obvious that Doucouré has been wheeled out but the message and more importantly the appropriate action is needed from the players.
Coleman looks as if he is about to return and hopefully he can stand up physically to the obvious motivation he has and is needed. I see him being the only addition to the team that played Newcastle.
Onana, contrary to the opinion of others, I thought played well. Maddison needs to be targeted in the up-coming game. In addition, playing Garner would help bolster midfield. Calvert-Lewin will be getting his third game and has looked okay.
The relegation fight is not over till the fat lady sings on the last day.
33 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:13:38
The players are my biggest fear but this manager is also a worry. Putting Holgate, Godfrey in the full-back positions and selecting Keane before Mina or Coady is not the best but in a relegation battle?
Patterson and Vinagre half-fit couldn't possibly be worse than clowns being picked and paid to play fullback.
34 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:29:58
I recommend it. It's more enjoyable than watching Everton.
35 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:33:21
It's complacency, thinking they will do it next game, then next game... "Oh we done it last season, we will do it this season." That's on the players — no-one else!
If we had 1 win & 1 draw more the table would look so much better. It's why we should have been trying to grind out more draws staying tight and maybe nicking the odd win.
We've been lucky that elsewhere results are going in our favour. We should be cut adrift, that's how bad we've been this season, but the others are just as bad so we still have a chance.
We can do it! We are due some luck in games, you make your own luck, so let's make some!!!
36 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:35:05
The only energy Onana brings is when he's waving his arms cheerleading the crowd in that annoying way Tommy Gravesen used to do when he was having an absolute nightmare game.
Difference is Gravesen had moments of sheer class and did showcase his ability from time to time.
37 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:37:29
I thought we had a few leaders in that team at the start of the season with Coady and Tarkowski but they defaulted into the “Everton Wayâ€.
As Peter says at #16, nobody will want any of that lot apart from probably Pickford so we will get pennies for that squad.
I wouldn't want to be stuck with that dross hoping the same players that took us down could get us out of the Championship.
One silver lining of relegation, as much as none of us want it, is it will finally mean the exit of Voldemort! I've waited 30 years for that day!!
38 Posted 30/04/2023 at 10:52:45
Doucouré doesn't know the difference between a rectangle and a triangle.
Also, reference to 'little white ball' – maybe he should stick to playing table tennis.
39 Posted 30/04/2023 at 11:05:26
40 Posted 30/04/2023 at 11:22:47
41 Posted 30/04/2023 at 11:54:05
42 Posted 30/04/2023 at 11:54:05
43 Posted 30/04/2023 at 11:54:08
45 Posted 30/04/2023 at 13:41:49
I quite like watching him, he's fun. There was a moment in the first half on Thursday when a bouncing ball broke to him. He appeared to be in complete control of the situation but then, after a flurry of arms and legs (his), Newcastle came away with the ball. "How did he do that?" said the bloke next to me.
46 Posted 30/04/2023 at 14:04:14
47 Posted 30/04/2023 at 14:05:37
Get it together for these last few games, Y'all. Bagging on the guy who puts in the yards covering the others' asses is not the 12th man's function.
If it goes to shit, you will have plenty of time for that. All fucking together now or go hide behind the couch.
48 Posted 30/04/2023 at 14:40:27
Not a chance of whatever combination of players Dyche pretends is a team at Leicester will this shower of mercenary non-footballers have the ability, bottle or desire to get any sort of result, I would not miss a single player from that squad, they give a bag of shite a bad name.
49 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:01:51
I'd replace them with Garner, Davies and an extra forward. Davies gives his all and does try to get the ball forward.
Play two up top with Gray just behind and launch it. Leicester's defence is shit and will buckle under pressure. If we go with our usual isolated one up front with those three shit crabs then we will die on our knees as we have most away games.
50 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:19:34
He's right in saying what's the point of a 3 man midfield if it does neither of protecting the back four or creating or scoring goals? Where I disagree is that Tom Davies is the answer in either a 2 man or 3 man set up. He has also failed to protect the back 4 when he's played and never scores or creates either.
51 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:20:09
Judging by our recent decacles you could have fooled me.
52 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:20:09
Judging by our recent decacles you could have fooled me.
53 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:26:50
54 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:39:09
55 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:44:58
They don't have to score for their life. They don't have to win for their life. They're paid anyway, even if they don't play. I doubt they could care less. They'll be kissing someone else's arse, I mean badge, soon. And it shows.
56 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:53:02
Thanks for making me laugh James, âââââ😀
57 Posted 30/04/2023 at 15:58:02
The lot of them except Coleman and Pickford can fuck off.
Leicester will run riot just as they did at Goodison earlier in the season.
58 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:08:57
Time to prove themselves and earn our support and respect.
59 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:12:16
We cannot keep missing out on these gifts, we simply have to grab one of the opportunities we keep getting handed.
Lowest scorers in the leagues, we should be dead and buried by now, but yet it is still in our own hands.
Enough of the rolling different players out after a defeat, do it on the pitch, words mean nothing, action means everything.
Put a shift in for 90 minutes, that's all we ask, not down tools when we go a couple of goals down.
I can accept being beaten, if we did everything but were beaten by a wonder goal, or a better team on the night, if we fight for 90 mins and the effort was there.
Let's hope and pray Coleman is back tomorrow.
60 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:19:42
Everton won't turn up. Once they go behind they know they can't score so just give up.
61 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:37:09
62 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:44:04
What was the King's song?
"A little less conversation, a little more action!!!!"
For once go out and do it on the pitch.
63 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:50:53
Nailed it.
64 Posted 30/04/2023 at 16:56:23
65 Posted 30/04/2023 at 17:31:35
Absolutely nailed the shower of shite that is us in a nutshell.
66 Posted 30/04/2023 at 17:32:20
That's it, Abdoulaye, kick round thing filled with air between white rectangle with net at the back!
67 Posted 30/04/2023 at 17:42:59
If we lose, then we're waist-deep in the shite, folks!
68 Posted 30/04/2023 at 18:02:45
69 Posted 30/04/2023 at 18:45:46
Only Moyes could work around that – and Kenwright if he stays on – so let's hope Hammers sack him soonest!
70 Posted 30/04/2023 at 19:13:49
Championship football is a long battle. Our next choice of manager is the difference between Championship and league one. If Moyes was to come back which is a big ask of him dropping down a division, fans must back him. Relegation with a point deduction will need unity more than ever.
71 Posted 30/04/2023 at 19:46:50
Unity will only come about when the current board is booted into touch, and hopefully we have a new owner too. Manchester United fans similar to the other lot's fans do not accept failure or being run as a tin-pot organisation, we have accepted a lowering of expectations year-on-year for nearly a quarter-of-a-century.
Old Trafford, today witnessed a large group of fans, protesting against their current owners, despite being League Cup winners, despite being in the FA Cup final and probably qualifying for the Champions League via their place in the league, what do Everton fans do, send a few letters, have a few fans march a few hundred yards, an hour prior to kick-off, and hope that their team scores a goal and wins the odd match or two, whilst hoping to stave off relegation.
I understand that circumstances are very different between Manchester United and Everton, but as a fan-base we have all too easily accepted poor management and poor results for too many years. Whatever happens in the remainder of this season, we can't allow things to continue as they have done.
72 Posted 30/04/2023 at 20:02:52
73 Posted 30/04/2023 at 20:03:17
If my failing memory serves me didn't Bielsa, want to come in and work with the youngsters. Did nobody on the board pick up on that, of course not because its a strategy, and Everton don't do strategy. With this bunch of misfits in the team and on the board we were fucked before the first game of the season.
Rant over, and apologies to anyone in the fan base who I may offend.
74 Posted 30/04/2023 at 20:57:34
75 Posted 30/04/2023 at 21:09:12
It's like remembering a girlfriend from years ago as wonderful when she flirted with your mate while seeing you, before ditching you for him, and wasn't all that when she was with you anyway.
Wishing Moyes back is the epitomy of acceptance of mediocrity.
76 Posted 30/04/2023 at 21:15:28
Mediocrity is certainly a distant memory since Moyes left.
77 Posted 30/04/2023 at 21:52:14
Dyche got to stick with it. These players can choose to be remembered for one of two things; the worst Everton team in 3/4 of a century or heroes who came through when it countered most.
Could be the biggest game in our history tomorrow. Forrest and Leeds have horrendous run in, but one of them will get points. Leicester have a couple of winnable games.
We must not lose. I think 5 points from 5 games would see us safe. Not sure we can get it, but it's not impossible either. Time to swim or sink boys and girls.
78 Posted 30/04/2023 at 22:06:30
79 Posted 30/04/2023 at 22:23:02
80 Posted 30/04/2023 at 22:23:48
As strange as this might sound for many like me those years under Moyes are my glory years supporting this club. Mediocrity I would take now and the next 3 years along as premiership football is in our back yard. The premiership is the golden ticket and leaving you are soon forgotten. Let's see if the sponsors stay on. Season ticket waiting list in the championship?
Failure of this board was not sticking with Sam allardyce until the stadium was built. A short sighted view that being in the premiership with a new stadium equals profit and further investment. In all the investment, not even close to smelling glory let alone seeing it.
Our next manager?? Surely championship experience and used to a low budget is essential if relegated.
81 Posted 30/04/2023 at 22:29:53
How great does mediocrity sound right now?!
82 Posted 30/04/2023 at 22:51:12
83 Posted 30/04/2023 at 23:40:57
FFS get a grip Dyche.
84 Posted 30/04/2023 at 23:41:36
Totally agree. We wouldn't be in this mess with Big Sam in charge. Obviously he wasn't ever the long term answer but he would have bought tough (mentally) strong men and that would have been something to be proud of.
Instead we have this mess of clowns: the results have gone our way today but I bet our jokers still balls it up. Obviously I hope I eat my words and they make us proud but I just can't see it.
85 Posted 30/04/2023 at 23:49:06
86 Posted 30/04/2023 at 23:56:26
87 Posted 01/05/2023 at 00:05:22
I wish they just shut it!
Please Dyche, for the love of god, just win 1 more lousy game FFS! Pair Mina and Coady tomorrow, Hook Iwobi and use that Portuguese left back instead of Mykolenko and no more Godfrey or freakin Holgate! Go with a plain, simple 442 .
No more sitting back and hoping for a point.
88 Posted 01/05/2023 at 00:23:52
If the unthinkable happens, we should hire someone like Vincent Company to get rid of the deadwood and recruit reasonably, as he did last season with Burnley.
89 Posted 01/05/2023 at 11:26:07
90 Posted 01/05/2023 at 14:30:05
Another point that was made is season tickets still 97 percent sales. This is good for the club, but just means as always massive gaps in the stands where season ticket holders try and sell the tickets but not many want to go.
Silver lining to this is People whom don't live local anymore will likely be able to get tickets. I will put a request in for Rotherham away in November, where we will all be able to huddle together like penguins to keep warm.
92 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:03:05
93 Posted 02/05/2023 at 15:10:36
Where are these massive gaps in the stands? or are you forecasting that's what will occur should the worst happen? Without the possibility of the new stadium, I fear, many would have contemplated failing to renew, and the less than transparent 'waiting list' figure of 20k might not have been quite so high.
Given that the stadium is on the horizon, I think we'll keep a healthy match day attendance figure, but it won't last forever, it'll then be down to the owner and the board to help form a squad of players to start winning football matches, whichever division we are in.
94 Posted 10/05/2023 at 14:29:48
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1 Posted 29/04/2023 at 23:59:59
These players are here today and gone tomorrow, no way do they feel the way we do after abysmal losses.