Orel Mangala Reveals What Sean Dyche Has Asked of Him at Everton
Orel Mangala, who joined Everton on loan from VfB Stuttgart in the summer of 2023, has opened up about his role under manager Sean Dyche at Goodison Park. The Belgian midfielder, known for his dynamic and physical style of play, has quickly adapted to the Premier League, but it’s Dyche’s tactical instructions that have shaped his contributions on the pitch.
Speaking in a recent interview, Mangala shed light on the specifics of Dyche’s expectations for him in the Everton midfield, as well as how the manager’s philosophy aligns with his own strengths.
Tactical Discipline and Defensive Solidity
One of the key areas Dyche has emphasized to Mangala is his defensive responsibilities. Everton, under Dyche, have tended to play with a deep-lying midfield structure that requires players to be disciplined and organized without the ball. Mangala, who is typically known for his box-to-box style, has been instructed to prioritize protecting the defensive unit while still contributing offensively when the situation permits.
“I’ve been asked to be more disciplined in my positioning,” Mangala said. “In the Premier League, especially with the physicality and speed of the game, it’s important to maintain a solid shape in midfield. I’ve been focusing on winning the ball back and making sure the defensive line isn’t exposed. Dyche wants us to be compact and tough to break down, which suits my style of play. I’m happy to be a shield for the defence, and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.”
While Dyche is known for his pragmatism, he also encourages his midfielders to be proactive when the team has possession, asking them to make quick, forward passes to transition play into attack.
Encouraging Aggression and Pressing
Dyche is also keen on Mangala contributing to the team’s high-pressing game when out of possession. One of the major traits of Dyche’s management is his focus on intensity and physicality, and this is something Mangala has embraced. While the Belgian is not necessarily a “hard man” in the mould of a traditional enforcer, his athleticism and tenacity make him an ideal candidate for Dyche’s pressing system.
“He wants me to be aggressive in pressing the ball,” Mangala explained. “When we lose possession, the first instinct is to win it back quickly. It’s a mentality that demands constant movement, staying sharp, and being prepared to fight for every ball. I’ve been working a lot on my positioning, anticipating passes, and closing down opponents fast. Dyche has made it clear that we need to make life difficult for teams when they try to play out from the back.”
Mangala’s ability to break up opposition attacks and disrupt their rhythm is one of his defining qualities, and it fits seamlessly into Dyche’s philosophy of disrupting the opponent’s game to gain control.
Offensive Contributions and Building Attacks
While much of Mangala’s role under Dyche has revolved around the defensive side of the game, the manager has not neglected his ability to influence the attack. Mangala’s energy and versatility allow him to get forward and support the Everton attack when the team is in possession. Dyche has encouraged him to make driving runs into the final third and offer support to the forwards.
“Dyche has given me the freedom to break forward when I see an opportunity,” said Mangala. “I’m not always restricted to sitting deep, but when the ball is won, I need to make sure I can offer an option going forward. Whether that’s with a well-timed run or a forward pass, it’s important to create balance. The more I contribute to the attack, the better chance we have of creating opportunities.”
Mangala’s ability to shuttle between the defensive and attacking phases of play allows Everton to maintain a solid structure while still posing a threat in the final third. His contributions have been crucial, especially when linking up with attacking players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Garner, who often benefit from the space Mangala can create by driving through the midfield.
Building Relationships with Teammates
Another aspect that Mangala has mentioned is the emphasis Dyche places on team cohesion and understanding. Dyche has been keen to ensure that his midfielders are in sync with the attacking and defensive units, understanding when to press, when to hold back, and when to support the forward players.
“I’ve had great conversations with Dyche about how we can improve our relationship on the pitch,” Mangala said. “We’ve been working on building partnerships, not just in midfield but across the whole team. It’s all about communication, knowing when to support each other, and understanding the movements of the players around you.”
Conclusion
Overall, Orel Mangala’s role at Everton under Sean Dyche is one that demands a balance between defensive work, pressing, and offensive support. The manager has entrusted him with the responsibility of stabilizing the midfield and ensuring the team’s defensive shape is maintained, while also encouraging Mangala to contribute offensively when possible. As Mangala continues to settle into English football, it’s clear that Dyche’s tactical guidance is helping him refine his game, making him a crucial component of Everton’s midfield in the ongoing season.
