Sean Dyche has expressed his pride in moving up the ranks of the Premier League’s most experienced managers, viewing it as a rebuttal to his critics.
The Everton boss recently climbed to 14th on the all-time list for games managed in England’s top tier since 1992, overtaking Tony Pulis with 323 matches under his belt.
With Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp on 334 games within reach, Dyche even has Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola in his rear-view mirror.
While Dyche joked about surpassing Guardiola, he also took the opportunity to address those who have questioned his approach over the years. The former Burnley manager shared his pride in this achievement.
“Absolutely it is a source of pride. I didn’t know about it, someone sent it to me and said, ‘Did you know this?’ I didn’t,” he said.
“In front of Brendan [Rodgers], in front of Pep, he joked! You witnessed it. You know what happens: ‘Dyche said he was bigger than Pep!’ No I didn’t, I just had a bit of fun about being in the Premier League longer.
“I had never thought about it, but, you know what, I should be proud about it. People give me a bit of stick and I go well I am still here, still in the Premier League, my stats are right there in front of you. Someone wants me to keep doing the job, whoever it may be.
“That speaks for itself in my world. It ain’t easy to get that many. We have seen people saying we are going to play this way and that way … bye. We have all seen it.”
Dyche’s comments seem to reflect a frustration with the growing trend in the Premier League for foreign coaches with fresh tactical ideas. Since taking charge at Everton, he’s kept the club in the Premier League across two seasons, having previously led Burnley up from the Championship twice and even guided them into European competition.
While Dyche’s tally of 92 wins is modest, his record at Everton is solid ahead of their trip to Southampton on Saturday. Since his arrival at Goodison Park in January 2022, the Toffees have picked up 78 points over 65 games. Comparatively, Brentford, led by Thomas Frank—who’s been linked with Manchester United—have managed 81, while Marco Silva’s Fulham have secured 79 in the same period.
Despite these figures, Dyche continues to face criticism over his playing style, often labeled as overly pragmatic or defensive. He, however, remains unapologetic.
“But you have got to win,” he added. “On days when we are not magical but on the days when we are good I think ‘fair play’, we deserve the pats on the back we get.
“Whether that is tactically good or just good. And on the days when we are not I will hold my hands up, I’ll try and go ‘OK’.”