Frank Lampard had a very ill-fated tenure as Everton manager, but he was always doomed to fail.
Realistically, anyone who takes on that role is putting themselves in jeopardy, as it is undoubtedly one of football’s most demanding positions.
Considering the financial load that comes with becoming the figurehead of a club like the Toffees, as well as the on-field troubles that have continued for three seasons, it’s surprising that anyone would seek the position.
Sean Dyche is the latest player to struggle at Goodison Park, most likely due to the same reasons that Lampard has exposed.
What Frank Lampard said about Everton:
Speaking with JOE, the former Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton manager recounted his illustrious career, which has faltered since he took over management.
However, given some very difficult positions, it has not been the most straightforward of journeys into teaching.
Now, speaking about perhaps the most difficult of the three roles he has held, he will tell what surprised him the most about the Toffees when he initially joined in 2022.
The 45-year-old stated: “In terms of the actual club itself, I was surprised when I got there about where it was in terms of feeling, and when I say that, I think there had been one win in 14.”
’It was a typical situation where you may get a job mid-season and something is not quite right, but the feeling of doom and this club may go down for the first time in many, many years – which is a real proud thing for Evertonians that they haven’t been relegated – but there was a feeling of now maybe we will.
‘And when you have that as something around your neck, which engulfs the fans and the players and there is a bit of fear, it’s a real challenge to overcome because that’s the first thing you have to get right. You need to get the confidence back in the players.
Joining under impossible circumstances
The Chelsea legend is not the only man to fall fowl to Everton’s recent struggles, and he will likely not be the last.
After all, it’s a poisoned chalice right now, with the club’s size and grandeur an attractive possibility that hides mountains of debt, little to no money available for transfers, and a frustrated fans sick and tired of their ongoing troubles.
Lampard in particular signed following Rafael Benitez’s genuinely poisonous tenure, which had severed any lingering relationships between supporters and the ownership.
It was a deadly miscalculation that could have sent them spiraling into the Championship if Lampard had not been appointed.
Fans will undoubtedly be eternally grateful, and despite his flaws, he remains a popular character on Merseyside.
However, he lacked tactical understanding in critical times, which proved important when managing a club with such narrow margins.
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