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'Did the opposite': Neal Maupay says he used terrorise manager who the Friedkins want at Everton

Everton are set to see Farhad Moshiri hand over the keys to Goodison Park over the coming days with a new dawn on the horizon.

A lot of uncertainties will now be speculated about on Merseyside with change on its way to Goodison.

The Friedkin Group are close to taking over Everton, with Friday seeing a major development after reportedly receiving Premier League approval.

One of the big dilemmas which the Friedkins are going to face is what to do with Sean Dyche when they arrive.

It has been a fairly underwhelming start to the campaign for Everton and the Friedkins are expected to sack Dyche in the New Year.

One of the candidates who is being eyed to replace the 53-year-old has now been handed Neal Maupay’s seal of approval.

Neal Maupay of Everton looks on during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Salford City and Everton at Peninsula Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Salf...

Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images

Neal Maupay shares verdict on Everton candidate Graham Potter

With Dyche’s future in the air, it has been suggested Everton are eyeing Graham Potter to potentially replace him.

Speaking to French outlet L’Equipe, Maupay has admitted he used to terrorise Potter at times during their spell together with Brighton & Hove Albion.

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“He (Potter) arrived at Brighton for his first experience in the Premier League and, straight away, he called me to ask me to come and play for him,” the Frenchman said.

“We clicked on a human level because he is a great guy. But I was still young and sometimes I could be a bit stubborn in training.

“I liked to tease him, nothing mean I did the opposite of what he asked me during the session, I complained because I wasn’t starting the match the following weekend.

“He would take me into his office every day, he would scratch his head like this (he mimes the gesture), breathing: “Neal, pfff…” Gradually, we created this relationship, we became very close. We grew up together.”

Maupay’s Everton exit was not the smoothest, but he has provided a glowing review of Potter amid the links to the Toffees.

And if a manager can get the best out of a player like Maupay, then perhaps Potter would make a good appointment for the Friedkins.

Neal Maupay’s record under Potter

The striker’s time on Merseyside was not exactly one to remember, but he did play some of his best football under the former Chelsea boss.

Everton fans want to see Potter appointed, but there are plenty of other potential landing spots available for him.

During his time in England, Maupay scored more goals under Potter than he did any other manager whilst on the south coast with Brighton.

Maupay under Potter Total

Appearances 108

Minutes 8004

Goals 27

Assists 6

The Friedkins were also eyeing Potter for Roma, however, nothing further developed from those reports.

A return to the Premier League may well appeal to Potter, but another job at West Ham or Wolves could arise before the seat at Goodison.

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