Sean Dyche has clarified remarks he made about Everton fans leaving early.
Swathes of supporters departed Goodison Park in their droves during last weekend’s opening Premier League defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Dyche responded to the exodus by telling Match of the Day that ‘It feels like reality at this football club. If you’re not doing well, that’s what happens’.
But the Blues’ manager insisted that he did not intend to criticise the club’s fanbase in his post-match comments and provided context to the quotes.
“I’ve never criticise the fans here, ever since I’ve been here,” insisted Dyche.
“I was just making a valid point about the obviously reality.
“You’re 2-0 down, you go 3-0 down, you’ve got 10 men in the Premier League – It’s very difficult that scenario to get back from.
“So if you’re a fan you’re going to go ‘Well, should I get off early?’ I wasn’t criticising anyone. That’s just a human thing, I would imagine.
“I don’t go to many game in that respect but I would imagine if you’re a fan and you sit there going ‘Well, I don’t think much is going to change in this scenario’.”
Dyche also revealed that his side are facing a potential injury crisis ahead of Saturday’s trip to Tottenham with only 14 first-team players at his disposal.
James Tarkowski is a doubt for the clash in the capital while fellow defender Jarrad Branthwaite is still no closer to a return to action with an injury niggle.
He said: “We’re stretched unfortunately.
“We’re down to about 14 recognised first-team players at the minute, so that’s not perfect, but the challenge is right in front of us as always.
“We’ve lost a few bodies in pre-season, which has been unfortunate.
“They’re searching for true fitness and we’ve got to get them fit and we’ve lost more who might not be available for this weekend.”