Everton’s first team have reportedly found themselves embroiled in an off-field bust-up with manager Sean Dyche.
Following an 11-game winless run, Dyche agreed to take his struggling Toffees to Portugal for some much-needed warm-weather training.
However, according to a recent report from the Daily Mail, the former Burnley boss sparked outrage among some of the team’s senior players after a badly executed joke backfired.
Enjoying a team meal at an Algarve resort of Quinta do Lago, Dyche is alleged to have playfully slapped right-back Nathan Patterson around the back of the head. The 52-year-old connected more forcefully than he intended though and that sparked an angry reaction from other senior players.
Captain James Tarkowski is believed to have removed his manager from the situation “to allow any lingering ill-feeling to subside”.
As for Patterson, he is thought to have been left embarrassed by unintentionally becoming the centre of attention. Dyche has since apologised to the young Scottish full-back.
Everton’s next Premier League game is scheduled to be away against Bournemouth on 30th March. The Toffees sit just above the relegation zone in 16th place on 25 points after 28 games.