Sean Dyche says the changes that are needed at Everton are not as radical as some might think – but insists Premier League survival is paramount to the remodelling of the club.
Heading into the final three rounds of fixtures, just three points separate 16th-placed Nottingham Forest and second-from-bottom Leeds.
Everton will look to dampen another club’s ambitions when they host Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday – live on Sky Sports – before encounters with Wolves and Bournemouth to close out the campaign.
“You have to be aware of every situation, but we can’t lose sight of the fact that the next game is the most important,” Dyche exclusively told Sky Sports.
“We strongly believe we can look after ourselves in the next three games. But, in the background, you’ve got to have that little bit of realism.
“A ‘what if?’ But the changes aren’t as radical as some people might believe. It will go on, but we want to make sure that we’re in the Premier League.
“We’ve just put in a very strong away performance and we’re aware the next one is very tough against Manchester City, but the final three are going to be important as a collective set of games and we have to take them all on.”
Dyche insisted his side never doubted themselves after a thumping 5-1 Premier League victory over Brighton lifted the Toffees two points clear of the relegation zone.
It was Everton’s first away league win in 14 attempts and could not have come at a more opportune time, with just three matches now remaining to secure their top-flight safety.
Abdoulaye Doucoure’s strike after 33 seconds laid down what ultimately felt like an emphatic opening statement as both he and Dwight McNeil went on to score twice.
Doucoure cast doubt over his future in the aftermath of the win at the Amex Stadium, stating he was not sure if the club would be taking up the offer of a one-year contract extension at the end of the season.