Orel Mangala has revealed what Sean Dyche told his Everton team in the dressing room after their League Cup defeat to Southampton. The midfielder also believes a win is all that is needed for his side to turn around the start of the season.
Everton, who sit bottom of the Premier League without a point, continued their poor start to the season on Tuesday night when they were beaten on penalties by Southampton at Goodison Park. The game ended 1-1 after Taylor Harwood-Bellis canceled out Abdoulaye Doucoure’s first-half header.
After both sides took the first five penalties, Ashley Young should have scored to keep his side level but his spot-kick was saved by Alex McCarthy. “A very frustrating night,” Mangala said. – I think we had a good match. We created a lot of chances but couldn’t make them count, so it’s very bitter to lose on penalties.
Asked what Dyche told Everton’s players in the dressing room, Mangala said: “He definitely decided we showed character and that’s why he wanted to see a team that showed mentality and character with young lads in the squad who could prove themselves in a big team.
“I think we can take a lot of positives from the game and go to Leicester on Saturday to try and get the three points.”
Next game for the Blues is away to Leicester City at the King Power on Saturday afternoon. The Blues have conceded seven goals in two games on the road so far this season, but despite a disappointing start Mangala believes a win is all that is needed for his side to turn around for the better.
“I think we’ve got some good challenges now, we’re looking forward to them,” he said. “I think the question is, if we win the game, that will change and we will definitely succeed. We will try to start on Saturday.”
Everton signed Mangala on a season-long loan from Lyon on transfer deadline day. The 26-year-old Belgium international first joined the French club in July for around £15m from Nottingham Forest; however, he spent last season on loan at the Ligue 1 club.
After coming off the bench against Aston Villa at the weekend, the midfielder made his first start for the Blues against the Saints and although he admits it has been a whirlwind for him, he is happy to be back in the Premier League
“It was good, it was good,” replied Mangala when asked about his first start at Goodison. “I think it was a good feeling for me to play in front of the fans for the first time.
“I’ve been waiting for it. Unfortunately we didn’t get the win today, but it will come, I’m sure. A lot has happened. We had an international break, then I came back, we played at Villa and now I had my first start.
“It’s going quite fast but I’m enjoying it a lot so I’m fine. I’ve missed the Premier League to be honest. It’s a league I really like.
“I really enjoyed my time in the league at Forest so I know a bit about the pace and demands of the league so I’m really happy to be back.”
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