Exclusive: Everton Captain Seamus Coleman Reveals All About Premier League Struggles, New Contract, and Dele – Unmissable!

Having narrowly avoided relegation for the second consecutive season, Everton managed to retain their spot in the Premier League. Captain Seamus Coleman acknowledges the valuable lessons learned and expresses their determination to prevent such a situation from occurring again. With his recent one-year contract extension signed in June, the 34-year-old will now embark on his 15th year at the club, having initially joined from Sligo Rovers for a transfer fee of £60,000 in January 2009.

Stay an additional year was it just a formality? "Undoubtedly, the past couple of years have been challenging for all those associated with our club," states the captain of the Republic of Ireland in an exclusive interview with We.

After taking some time to reflect, and also experiencing an injury that further prompted contemplation, it becomes difficult to simply walk away from something you adore and are familiar with. I have a profound love for this football club."

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Every day, I enjoy being here. One crucial aspect is that I continue to feel competent. I feel confident and powerful when facing skilled wingers and during training sessions. If the boys were effortlessly surpassing me every day in training, then it would be necessary to contemplate a change. Consequently, I am content with signing a contract and eagerly anticipate the upcoming season.

With a total of 409 appearances for the club, Coleman currently ranks 17th on the all-time list. Completing one more season would likely enable him to secure a place in the top 10 by the conclusion of this campaign.

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After sustaining a knee injury against Leicester in May of last season, the full-back was unable to participate in the Toffees' final four matches during their challenging finish. However, he made a remarkable recovery during the pre-season break. Coleman's ability to bounce back has been showcased before when he overcame a severe leg break that jeopardized his career six years ago. What motivates him to return to the field?

"You don't really have a choice," he explains. "If you truly love your profession and you are determined to return to the field, you need to find the inner strength to recover.

"Regrettably, in 2017, I suffered a severe leg injury, which came as a major surprise. It was my first significant injury, but my determination to return to playing football never wavered. This time around, it's a similar situation: I must give my all to get back on the pitch."

While Coleman contemplates the possibility of prolonging his career on the field, he undoubtedly has his sights set on the future once he decides to retire from playing. "Considering life after football, I have given considerable thought to my options and have made preparations. Coaching has particularly piqued my interest, and I envision myself obtaining my A license and pursuing this path in the future."

However, I never imagined that I would become such an integral part of Everton and have the opportunity to contribute so much to the club. This journey has truly been a remarkable experience for me."

I believe that my greatest achievement is working hard every day, earning the respect of several managers, being appointed as captain, and remaining at this incredible football club for 15 years.

Ahead of a crucial season for Sean Dyche's team, the veteran has chosen to prolong his stay. Despite narrowly avoiding relegation for two consecutive seasons, what has been the main contributing factor to the club's recent difficulties?

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Everton's finish in the Premier League table last season was 17th.

In the Premier League, it is crucial to consistently perform at a high standard. Failing to do so will have consequences. We must improve upon our performance both on and off the field compared to the previous seasons. This is undoubtedly our objective.

Currently, our focus is on what we can control, which is our performance on the pitch. Our manager, Dyche, has been emphasizing the importance of mentality and unity. We aim to apply the lessons we have learned from the past two seasons to prevent any future setbacks.

On the other hand, there are no certainties when it comes to remaining in this league. It is imperative to ensure that you are consistently engaging in the correct actions and making a daily effort to deserve your place in this league. This reality can be quite harsh.

The Toffees, however, have chosen not to travel extensively and have only journeyed as far as Switzerland, where they triumphed over Stade Nyonnais with a score of 2-1. They then returned to England to face formidable opponents such as Wigan, Bolton, Stoke, Monza, and Sporting. Astonishingly, they managed to keep four clean sheets and only conceded three goals in those matches.

"We've been working hard as a team on the training pitch and the gaffer has been working hard on all aspects of our game - but clean sheets are a good starting point," says Coleman.

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How has pre-season gone?

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Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only managed to clock around 1,200 league minutes in each of the past two seasons

Dyche has announced that a deal to bring in Youssef Chermiti, a forward from Sporting, is almost finalized. Additionally, the club has secured a loan move for Arnaut Danjuma from Villarreal and signed Ashley Young, a seasoned player, on a free transfer. In the meantime, Tom Young, Yerry Mina, and Andros Townsend, among others, have departed from the squad.

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Leeds fans are expressing concern due to the lack of transfer activity, despite the club's rumored interest in potential signings such as winger Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds and striker Hugo Ekitike from Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, there is hope that Dominic Calvert-Lewin can overcome his injury-ridden past two seasons and maintain a consistent level of fitness to become the leading striker for Dyche's team.

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There has been significant discussion surrounding Dominic," he remarks. "Although he has faced some injury setbacks, he approaches his work with utmost professionalism and dedication.

All he requires is a stroke of good luck, and considering his current state, there is complete confidence that he will regain his fitness this season. He will undoubtedly serve as a central figure for us, contributing goals – as he consistently does when he is both healthy and part of the team."

All eyes on DCL fitness?

Dele opened up about being a victim of sexual abuse when he was six years old and also shared that he underwent a six-week rehab earlier this year. Despite facing challenges during his loan stint at Besiktas last season, the 27-year-old will be eligible for selection once he recovers from a hip injury.

Coleman affirms, "Dele has received immense support from his teammates in the dressing room, and the club has been incredibly supportive as well." He further adds, "Above all, our utmost concern is Dele's well-being. It's encouraging to see him doing well and in a positive state of mind."

'Massive' support for Dele

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that besides Dele and Calvert-Lewin, an individual who holds great potential within Everton's ranks is Lewis Dobbin, a promising 20-year-old forward emerging from the club's academy.

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Lewis Dobbin showcased his impressive skills during pre-season for Everton, following his loan spell with Derby in League One last season.

"I don't want to overlook any other players, but Lewis has certainly made a positive impact during pre-season. After his loan stint with Derby, he has progressed through the ranks and trained with our first team this year. Besides being a genuinely pleasant person, he has displayed exceptional sharpness on the field."

The youngster clocked nearly 2,000 minutes in League One last term to help the Rams finish seventh in the table, scoring three goals and creating four assists - ranking second in the division for attempted dribbles and eighth for touches in the opposition box.

One to watch: Dobbin

Dyche certainly steadied the ship after replacing Frank Lampard last season when the club were languishing in 19th position.

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Privacy Options can be accessed to open a range of improvements in various areas for the Toffees. These include points per game, goals scored, xG, shots on target, crosses, fast breaks, pressures, and aerials, all of which have seen significant enhancements since the arrival of the previous Burnley manager.

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"He's a deeply contemplative individual when it comes to the game," Coleman affirms. "One instance that immediately springs to mind is the away match against Brighton, which proved to be an immensely crucial outcome for our team."

We didn't simply arrive and declare, "we will perform and maintain a strong defense" - it required extensive hours of training and preparation.

Under his guidance, diligent effort and complete dedication are necessary. Achievements like the one against Brighton result from this rigorous approach and strategic analysis.

Dyche mentality

Stoney, Woany, and he work tirelessly on analyzing the opposition, ensuring that we have the best possible chance in our games.

Dyche mentality

Coleman's extended contract also covers the final complete season at Goodison Park, which has been the club's home for the past 132 years. The team will then make the eagerly anticipated move to the new stadium situated at Bramley-Moore Dock in the 2024/25 campaign. Speaking about the new stadium, the Everton captain expresses his awe, stating, "The new stadium is absolutely incredible."

The upcoming change is highly anticipated by all the fans and it aligns with the direction football is heading. The location near the docks is exceptionally picturesque. We have already previewed its appearance, with a primary focus on preserving the electric atmosphere.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Goodison Park will always hold a special place in my heart. Honestly speaking, I will feel a sense of loss as it represents my memories of Everton and where I have played all my matches. Witnessing its closure will be somewhat melancholic. Nonetheless, I fully comprehend the reasons for this transition and I am eagerly looking forward to relocating to an extraordinary stadium that we will take immense pride in. This move will undoubtedly benefit the club for countless years to come.

New stadium and Goodison Park legacy

After finishing 16th in the 2021/22 season and 17th in the previous term, has the club established a specific target for their league position in order to measure progress in the upcoming campaign? "I don't believe we should focus on a specific league position as a goal," Coleman states.

"The Premier League is an incredibly challenging competition, requiring relentless effort week after week. Our immediate objective is to secure three points against Fulham on Saturday and then prepare for the following week to continue our pursuit."

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"Our team's objective is to consistently perform at our highest level, both in weekly matches and during training sessions. By achieving this, I believe we can surpass the level of success we have achieved in the past few seasons."

What defines success this season?

Coleman's side will kickstart their season at Goodison on Saturday against Fulham - a team that finished 10th last season under former Everton manager Marco Silva. How will the Toffees approach this challenging first fixture?

"They're a formidable side," Coleman acknowledges. "We previously had Marco here, who is an exceptional coach. His teams work tirelessly, utilizing Mitrovic effectively and showcasing organized units all across the field. Consequently, they will be formidable opponents - as we witnessed last year when they visited Goodison. Therefore, it promises to be a compelling and demanding game."

The season opener

The 2023/24 Premier League season for Everton will kick off with a home match against Fulham at Goodison Park on Saturday August 12. Following this, Sean Dyche's side, who narrowly secured survival on the final day of the previous season, will travel to Aston Villa on August 19. They will then return to Goodison Park for a home fixture against Wolves on August 26.

The initial Merseyside derby is set to take place on October 21 at Anfield, where Liverpool will host Everton. The return match is scheduled for March 16. Everton, on the other hand, will face a challenging Christmas schedule, starting with an away game against Tottenham on December 23. They will then face the treble winners, Manchester City, at home on Boxing Day, followed by a trip to Wolves on December 30.

They will finish their season with another difficult fixture when they visit Arsenal on May 19.