What Sean Dyche said to Everton player behind the scenes after second Premier League charge

Joao Virginia has opened up on Sean Dyche’s message to Everton’s players following confirmation the club had again been charged by the Premier League.

The Blues are at risk of being deducted points twice in the same season after being charged on Monday with another breach of Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR) for the year ending June 2023.

Everton were handed a ten-point deduction in November for a profit and sustainability breach after being charged last season, the biggest points deduction in Premier League 30-year history, but they are appealing against the decision.

Dyche’s side, however, returned to action for the first time since the charge was confirmed against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup on Wednesday night. Andre Gomes' fine first-half free-kick handed the Blues a 1-0 win in the third-round replay.

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And asked after the game what Dyche’s message had been to his players following the news, Virginia revealed: “He said for us to concentrate on what we can do on the pitch and keep the group together.

"Obviously, it gives us an edge to go out there and go against it. But I think the group is strong and that's the main thing."

Pressed on the mood in the squad, the goalkeeper said: “I try to keep my mind on training and what involves around me.

“That's not my department, so I just keep on working and playing on the pitch. I just love playing football and that's what I do."

Gomes scored the only goal of the game after 42 minutes at Goodison, curling his free-kick into the top corner from 25-yards out. The midfielder was starting just his second match for