Everton boss Sean Dyche fighting for his job under new ownership and makes defiant admission
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Everton manager Sean Dyche has admitted the club's new owners should be considering potential replacements for him amid a dismal run of form that has left the team hovering just above the relegation zone.
The frank acknowledgement comes as the Toffees have managed just one win in their last 11 Premier League matches.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday's FA Cup tie against Peterborough United, Dyche said: "To be clear, it should be. At the end of the day, if you're a business of this size and this club, succession planning should surely be part of their diligence."
The 53-year-old's position has come under increased scrutiny following the recent £400 million takeover by The Friedkin Group, with reports suggesting the new owners are reviewing his role at the club.
Sean Dyche is fighting for his job at Everton
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Dyche emphasised he has "no problem" with the owners considering succession planning, stating it should be standard practice at every football club.
"That's part of the business, surely? I'm sure it is in what we'd call 'normal business life', that is, outside of football," he said.
The Everton boss acknowledged responsibility for the team's poor performances this season.
"You've got to win games, we haven't won enough this season, you've got to make sure the team is operating the right way, you've got to try and please everyone, all of the time," Dyche said.
"That's the job, and we haven't done that often enough, and it comes down to me, without any shadow of a doubt."
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He dismissed suggestions that talks with potential replacements would undermine his position, insisting succession planning is what "clubs of this size" should do.
Dyche revealed he has had recent contact with The Friedkin Group following their takeover last month.
"Yes, just positive, that they know some of the work that we've done. They want better outcomes from winning games of course," he said.
The manager indicated the new owners have been transparent in their communications with him.
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Everton are flirting with relegation this season in the Premier League
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"They've been very straight with me and very up front about it," Dyche said, though he noted there had been "no indication" regarding his position.
He acknowledged the reality of the situation, explaining: "There are extenuating circumstances in some situations. I think we should win more games, I think we should have won more games by now and I think we need to win more games."
The American consortium completed their purchase of Farhad Moshiri's 98.8 per cent stake in December for over £400 million.
Despite the pressure, Dyche maintained his confidence in turning around Everton's fortunes.
Everton lost to Bournemouth at the weekend to leave them 16th in the Premier League
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"I've had confidence all of my life. It is like an inbuilt thing," he said. "I've got ginger hair and was mocked for most of my life. But it is just an inbuilt thing."
The manager faces additional challenges for Thursday's FA Cup clash with Peterborough, with several key players unavailable.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is struggling with an ankle problem, while Youssef Chermiti will be out for weeks.
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Armando Broja has a chance of featuring after his injury at Bournemouth, but Dwight McNeil won't be available.
The squad's depth has been tested, with Dyche revealing they trained with just 16 players ahead of the cup tie.
James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam remain sidelined, though both could return to training next week.
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