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Everton deducted 10 points in record-breaking punishment
Sean Dyche admits he was "shocked" by the news that Everton had been deducted 10 points for breaching the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR). The Toffees have fallen from 14th place to 19th in the Premier League table as a result of the deduction but Dyche insists his players are ready to fight for survival.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Everton's upcoming clash against Manchester United on Sunday, he said: "I was shocked and seemingly, the wave of noise after that, most people around football were shocked.
"On the other hand, it doesn't change the focus. The focus since I got here was turning things around on the pitch. We were obviously on the right lines for that and this has given us a push backwards. The job hasn't changed for me."
Dyche praised his senior players, particularly Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski, for helping keep a positive atmosphere in the dressing room following the catastrophic announcement. The 52-year-old also added that the entire group had reacted very well despite the circumstances.
Everton have been deducted 10 points for breaching Premier League financial rules (Image: Getty)
"I spoke to the group and said the league table is one thing but the final league table is the truth of the season," he added. "It changed the viewpoint but it doesn't change what we're doing.
"In fact, it enhances what we're doing, we've got to go harder for longer and stronger. The group have been very good in themselves I must say."
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Sean Dyche insists his squad are ready to bounce back (Image: Getty)
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Everton's deduction, which is the largest in Premier League history, was imposed with immediate effect after an independent commission determined that "Everton's PSR calculation for the relevant period resulted in a loss of £124.5m, as contended by the Premier League, which exceeded the threshold of £105m permitted under the PSRs."
Despite their fall in the standings, the Merseyside outfit are still only two points away from safety with Premier League new boys Sheffield United and Luton Town ahead of them by one and two points respectively.