Everton boss Sean Dyche has opened up on his connection with the players.

The manager, who came from Burnley and has since saved the club from relegation twice, is very demanding.

However, he talked about the affection that he has for his squad, regardless of how they perform.

“The bigger picture in football is that it is a big challenge," said Dyche to reporters.

“My own son is in football, and I tell the players I would speak to you like I would my own son. If it is good enough for my own son then I think it is good enough for you.

“I do care, I do care about their careers. The reason why I was fortunate to get a job at Watford under Aidy Boothroyd is because he always thought I did care – and I do care. I care about their development, I care about them as people and their careers. I've always maintained that.

“Of course, you have to still mould that into a group that can win and hope it is fair that they (players) reference it because deep down I ask a lot of them and put a big demand on them, myself and the staff. But I think beneath that, the hard yards that come across, even with my voice and what I have to say to them sometimes, I think they do know I care about them.

“Football is an amazing career, and nowadays at this level, they do get rewarded, that is quite obvious, but it's still difficult. There is a lot of pressure, a lot of stress, anxiety and a lot of work that needs doing. But in there is a love and connection from a manager, staff and players."