Everton’s defence has improved remarkably under Sam Allardyce.
Speaking to Everton’s official website, Sam Allardyce has revealed that he constantly drills into his defenders the importance of avoiding “ball watching”.
Allardyce has completely transformed Everton since taking over from the axed Ronald Koeman earlier this month and victory away to Bournemouth tomorrow will see the Toffees move eight points behind fourth-placed Liverpool for the time being.
The 63-year-old has improved his side’s defence in a major way and the Goodison Park club have only conceded two goals in the six Premier League games he has taken charge of.
But the former Sunderland and Newcastle United boss reveals to Everton’s official website that a lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into their outstanding defensive record, claiming that he tells his players “25 times a week” not to get caught ball watching.
He said: “I also say that the worst thing in football for a defender is ball watching. Probably 25 times a week I will talk about ball watching to put it in their sub-conscious!
“I want them to make sure that I’m not stopping the video the day after and say ‘you’re ball watching!’
“The sooner we stop doing that, the more capable we are in our defending.”
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