Everton seem to be sleepwalking towards relegation at the moment, with their only Premier League win since December being an unconvincing narrow victory over relegation rivals Burnley.
During that spell, the Toffees endured their worst winless run in top-flight history, and understandably pressure has ramped up on Sean Dyche.
But he remains focused on the task at hand.
His passionate words to his team are evidence that he has not given up, and despite such abhorrent form, it somehow remains in their hands.
All they need to do is believe in their own ability for a change. After all, everyone else seems to.
Tim Sherwood makes important Everton relegation prediction
Tim Sherwood is the latest to offer his verdict on whether Everton will get relegated, speaking live on Soccer Saturday, Sky Sports News (20/04, 1:51 pm).
Seeking to preview another huge relegation clash, as Luton Town hosted Brentford, attention naturally turned to the ‘Deduction Derby’ set to take place tomorrow between the Toffees and Nottingham Forest.
And despite outlining many of the weaknesses that are hampering Dyche’s side, he remained inexplicably optimistic.
The former Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur manager noted: ‘I want them to stay in the league, I really do, and I believe that they will. Sean Dyche is the right man. Branthwaite gets injured as well. He would be a real doubt. If they miss him, he has been their best defender all season.
‘They can’t score a goal at the other, doesn’t bode well for them. I just think the crowd at Goodison gets them over the line.’
Everton need to channel this belief
Sherwood is not the only pundit to showcase their belief in Everton’s ability to stay in the Premier League.
After all, Theo Walcott was another who delivered his ‘sad’ but fair assessment on the run-in.
And Dyche, whilst he will have his own methods of encouraging his squad, will surely see this as a way to further boost his players.
Such widespread belief from supposed experts is a vote of confidence in itself, and backed by what promises to be a raucous support from Goodison Park, tomorrow’s match could be monumental.
The only hope is that, with the fans and the pundits backing them, the Everton players can turn up and produce on the day when it really matters.