'We wanted to change things' - Abdoulaye Doucoure makes Everton dressing room admission
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been speaking about his Everton form
Abdoulaye Doucoure has vowed to repay Everton supporters for the unwavering support they offered him and opened up about the growing confidence in his side.
Doucoure was told to train on his own in the final week of Frank Lampard’s tenure as manager and was overlooked for a defeat by West Ham United after a dressing-room row. The game would be Lampard’s last in charge of the Goodison Park club.
However, the midfielder has been a revelation since the appointment of Sean Dyche in January and played a key role in helping to preserve the club’s top-flight status last season. His goal against Bournemouth on the final day prevented relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.
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The Mali international has been an ever-present for Dyche so far this season, playing in an advanced role in a five-man midfield, and saw his impressive form rewarded with a new deal until June 2025 earlier this month.
"At the moment, things feel great," he told evertontv. "We know this season we wanted to change things compared to the last two seasons.
“We are going the right way, but we want to keep going. I feel the love here, I am very happy. I committed last week to a new contract with the club, so obviously I am more than happy to stay here.
“I love the fans, the way they look at me and love me. I just want to repay that back and give everything for the club."
Doucoure was on target on Saturday as his side came out on top in a five-goal thriller against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. And although he was surprised by Roy Hodgson’s side, he believes the Blues deserved to collect all three points.
"The confidence in the group is there," he said. "Each game we can score goals. Against Palace, we scored three goals, which shows this team is capable of scoring a lot of goals.
"We were so pleased, to win away from home is always a good thing. We are so happy because it was an open game and it was very difficult against a good opponent. But we deserved the win.
"Palace played well. We didn't expect them to play at that high tempo, it was a bit difficult for us to press, but knew small details would make the difference and we are so happy to have won the game."
Reflecting on his goal, Doucoure said: "I think I just feel the goal sometimes. I am always willing to score, and maybe the ball is just finding its way to me.
“I always try to be in a good position. I feel very happy, confident and I want to score more goals to help this team keep winning games."