Everton have left Merseyside this week, seeking to find a location for additional rest and recuperation after a trying campaign thus far.
Settling in Portugal, their training camp is already underway, with Sean Dyche drilling his men in an effort to uproot their faltering form.
His side has failed to win in their last 11 Premier League games, and since the turn of the year have won just once: an FA Cup home replay to Crystal Palace.
Desperately needing something to spark them back into action, the former Burnley boss has made the executive decision to take the squad away in an effort to do just that.
What Sean Dyche said about Everton
In an interview with Everton’s official YouTube channel, the gaffer sought to explain why Everton had made their trip to Portugal and the various benefits it offered.
Also providing a much-needed injury update on the squad, the 52-year-old attested that performances have not been nearly as bad as their run of form suggests.
As such, he remains clearly confident in turning things around, noting: ‘Some people disagree but I think the performances have been generally good. I’m amazed we haven’t won in 11 games with the performances we have had.
‘You think back to the Tottenham game away, I think it’s almost impossible, West Ham at home, Man United I have never been with a team who have dominated like that at Man United. That’s just three and there’s other performances as well.’
A much-needed training camp in Portugal
Whilst many might question why these underperforming assets should be treated to a trip abroad due to their poor form, the benefits of a warm-weather training camp are actually innumerable.
After all, not only does it boost morale and allow players to recoup after an arduous past few months, but it also allows them to train harder and for longer in conditions that will bring out every last drop of their energy levels.
So, in theory, upon returning to the mild and often rainy climate of Merseyside, everything should seem far easier by comparison.
Most importantly though, this trip will allow the group to focus on themselves, free from any media intervention in and around the training ground.
They can work on moves and hone their finishing, the latter of which has been sorely lacking this season.
This training camp in Portugal was much-needed, and can hopefully be the catalyst that sparks Dyche’s men back into action after many months now without a Premier League win.