Frank Lampard openly acknowledged the numerous errors made by Everton in the transfer market upon taking over the club. During his year-long stint from January 2022 to 2023, Lampard replaced the embattled Rafa Benitez, who faced criticism from fans and a strained relationship with the board.
While Lampard managed to steer the Toffees to Premier League survival with a dramatic win over Crystal Palace, he left midway through the following season as Everton found themselves second from bottom. Lampard was the seventh manager under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership, with over £500 million spent on players by previous managers.
The former England international inherited an unbalanced squad and faced financial difficulties, including a points deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules. Despite the challenges, Lampard took on the role with a clear footballing vision, aiming to bring more positivity to the club amidst the prevailing pessimism.
Faced with a struggling team, negative morale, and mounting fears of relegation, Lampard worked to instill confidence and unity within the squad. Despite the limitations, he attempted to implement a fresh tactical approach and engage the fans, resulting in a memorable season-ender that saw Everton avoid the drop.
Reflecting on his time at Everton, Lampard acknowledged the ongoing difficulties at the club and expressed sympathy for his successor, Sean Dyche. Despite improvements in points tallies, Everton’s winless streak and proximity to the relegation zone underscore the lasting challenges that still plague the club. Lampard’s experience at Everton served as a valuable coaching lesson, highlighting the complexities and demands of managing a team facing deep-rooted issues both on and off the pitch.
