Sean Dyche has dismissed Neal Maupay’s controversial comments about Everton, suggesting the on-loan striker’s remarks are not worth dwelling on.
Read also: Joshua Zirkzee Would Be Finished at Manchester United Under Sir Alex Ferguson
The French forward, currently on loan at Marseille, faced a storm of criticism from Everton fans after posting a snide comment on social media following the team’s 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.
“Whenever I’m having a bad day, I just check the Everton score and smile,” Maupay wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Maupay, who left Everton on a season-long loan in August, made it clear he was glad to leave the club. Since his £15 million transfer from Brighton in 2022, Maupay managed just one goal in 32 appearances, failing to impress during his time at Goodison Park.
His public dig has reportedly caused tension within the club, with many feeling he has burned all bridges with the Toffees.
However, speaking at a press conference, Dyche played down the incident, emphasizing his focus on Everton’s battle for Premier League survival. “There’s a bigger picture at Everton Football Club that I’m focusing on,” Dyche said with a grin. “I don’t think I need to be too worried about his comments.
“When asked about possible disciplinary action against Maupay, Dyche dismissed the idea, adding, “No, I don’t think we’ll be worried about that.”
Dyche also turned his attention to Everton’s next match against Bournemouth, praising their manager, Andoni Iraola, for his transformative work.
“I remember when he first arrived, they tried total football, and it didn’t work. He’s radically changed their style, making them more direct, which is a credit to him. They’ve formed a strong unit and have been successful this season,” Dyche noted.
Meanwhile, lifelong Everton supporter and former boxer Tony Bellew didn’t hold back in his criticism of Maupay. Responding directly to the forward’s tweet, Bellew labeled him a “muppet” and a “weasel.” Speaking on talkSPORT, Bellew vented:
“It’s pathetic for a player still on Everton’s payroll to take shots like this. He did nothing for us while he was here. Brighton couldn’t wait to get rid of him, and now we see why. He’s just a little wind-up merchant.”
Maupay’s comments have added to Everton fans’ frustrations as the club fights to stay afloat in the Premier League. But for Dyche, the focus remains firmly on the task at hand: survival.