Everton-transfer reality still clear after painful 3-0 pre-season friendly defeat at Coventry City

Sean Dyche was left frustrated by the missed opportunities of Everton players to make a case for greater inclusion after a disappointing friendly defeat at Coventry City. The Blues slumped to a 3-0 loss after they were out-thought and out-fought by their Championship opponents at the CBS Arena.

Fitness remains more important than results for Dyche but he was keen to point out he demanded more than the display that was delivered on Tuesday night.

While mitigating factors were present – including a lengthy injury list and an opposition further advanced in their preparation for the new campaign – the Everton boss added that he expected improvements at Preston North End on Saturday

READ MORE: Everton player ratings as Tim Iroegbunam impresses but so many struggle in Coventry loss
READ MORE: Everton transfer reality still clear after painful reminder of shortcomings
Ellis Simms, Ephron Mason-Clark and Victor Torp scored the goals for the hosts, who would have won by more had it not been for several useful Joao Virginia saves. The Blues mustered little in response.

After the match, Dyche told the ECHO he took heart from the performances of some players – praising Michael Keane and new signing Tim Iroegbunam – but acknowledged his side was left wanting by Coventry.

He said his intention in lining up friendlies against Championship teams – Preston are another – was to challenge his players at this stage of the summer, but suggested he had hoped to see more.

Dyche said: “I know how competitive the Championship teams are. I thought they [Coventry] were super-competitive tonight.

“We weren’t as competitive. I am expecting a little bit of a delay on that from our group because we are missing some important players, too many at the moment – that is out of our hands with injuries, but really I am looking for players to go ‘go on then, show us, show us the edge that you want, show us the edge that you know that you can step in and put doubt in our mind’.

“I didn’t think there was enough of that tonight.”

Dyche said he expected progress at Preston, not least because he hoped to see the return of some players. James Tarkowski (glute) and Idrissa Gueye (calf) could return to the squad, Dyche said

He added Jesper Lindstrom could also make his first appearance and that new signing Jake O’Brien is in contention to be involved. He was less confident on Youssef Chermiti, however. The forward, the shining light of Everton’s pre-season to date, has sustained a foot injury – the severity of which is still being assessed.

Looking ahead to the trip to Deepdale, Dyche said: “We can start filling out the squad again, which is really important. This is Everton Football Club. We need that strength in depth that we are attempting to build in the best way we can with the finances available.”