Ipswich Town boss Gary O’Neil admits that the build-up to his side’s trip to Everton has been understandably tough, following the passing of his father this week.
O’Neil revealed the news of his dad Graham’s death on Thursday with an emotional post on social media.
“The past 24 hours have been tough but I have been separating things,” said the Tractor Boys chief. “I have managed to be there for the family and the team, so of course the mourning and the memories of my dad will continue over the next few days but full focus is on what we need to do here, and the team have been great, the club have been great.
“I appreciate everyone’s support. A tough few days but as life dies, we need to move on. But I am looking forward to taking the club to a big game tomorrow.”
A loss as personal as a parent can certainly put football into perspective but it can also inject a fresh dose of determination into an individual. That is the hope, certainly from an Ipswich perspective.
With his side having already won twice in the Premier League – half the amount of games they won in the whole of the 2024-25 campaign at this level – O’Neil wants to continue that feelgood factor ahead of the trip to Merseyside before an elongated international break.
O’Neil added: “I think the two wins have been excellent for us, and to play two teams that aren’t in the ‘big club’ category, it is a real good start.
“We do still need to try and do better. Everton will be a test. They are excellent at home, they always are. This is a game that we go in with confidence and belief and I have massive belief in us. We have prepped really well and trained well.”
Toffees’ boss David Moyes knows Saturday’s opponents will not be an easy task and he believes that nothing can be taken for granted in the top flight.
The Scot said: “I think everybody who now watches the Premier League would say there’s no expectations anymore because of the level of the teams and whoever’s playing. I think even more so this year. I think it looks as if it’s quite up and down at the moment.
“We’ve seen Hull doing brilliantly well in the Premier League but I don’t think many people would have seen that. So I don’t think you can take any team for granted and certainly if people are raising their expectations because of the opposition they’ve certainly got it wrong.”
