'Gone by October' - Everton pre-season humiliation puts Lampard under pressure
Robin Bairner
- 21 Jul 2022 09:26 BST
- 6 min read
Everton manager Frank Lampard has quickly established himself as the Premier League manager likeliest to be sacked first in the 2022/23 season following a 4-0 humiliation against Minnesota in a pre-season friendly.
What was alarming about the match was that the Toffees played a strong side yet were dismantled by an opponent sitting fourth in the MLS Western Conference, as close to the bottom of the table as the top in terms of points.
The outcome of the match has split Everton fans. While some are pointing the finger at Lampard, who previously enjoyed an 18-month spell as Chelsea manager, there are others who believe the board are to blame for failing to back him in an adequate manner in the transfer market. After all, Richarlison has been sold and no replacement has been found with barely a couple of weeks to go before the start of the season.
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Everton supporters, though, are united in one belief: that what they are seeing presently on the field is simply not good enough and will lead to another tense relegation battle if they is not a significant change.
Meanwhile, it is clear that Lampard is already under pressure, whether he has been given the necessary resources or not.
And before anyone says what about signings.
It was Minnesota United.
He can't organise a team to beat what is a championship level side with the players he has. That's on Lampard.— Dan (@Dan_Dan_Dan___) July 21, 2022
Has Lampard learnt nothing 🤷🏼♂️
— Justin Lawson (@SLTjustin) July 21, 2022
He he. Lampard gone by October I think.
— NotSoSkinnyPete 🇺🇦 (@NotSoSkinnyPete) July 21, 2022
Fans of rival clubs, too, have been quick to put the boot into Lampard.
Lampard gone my Xmas these lot are TERRIBLE https://t.co/Bi6exMj2cw
— 𝖆𝖘𝖍𝖑𝖊𝖞 (@ashleybxtr) July 21, 2022
Lampard has run them into the ground. Great viewing
— Manchester is Red (@JamieEdwardsTa1) July 21, 2022
https://t.co/YlqAMI5tdI
🗣 Lampard post-match: “Well certainly Jordan had to “Pick-for-d ball” out of his net quite a few times haha.. no but seriously relegation is a very real prospect for us at this time.” pic.twitter.com/yXjqon72hd— nuj 🎯 (@afcnuj) July 21, 2022
Good chance Lampard's the first manager to be sacked next season.
I'd pay money to see them replace him with OGS. It'd be so funny.— Adi (@AdiiUnited) July 21, 2022
Nevertheless, there is a strong faction of Everton supporters prepared to excuse the former England midfielder due to the board’s weaknesses.
If Lampard has any sense he will walk. He is a serious football man, a winner. He has set standards throughout his career. The people who run this club aren't, haven't and don't. They peddle and celebrate mediocrity. Worst of all a good percentage of the fan base backs them!
— Roger Mottram (@rogerefc) July 21, 2022
It's hard for him with two hands tied behind his back. When is Moshiri going to back him ?
— John Black (@JB_1964) July 21, 2022
It's hard for him with two hands tied behind his back. When is Moshiri going to back him ?
— John Black (@JB_1964) July 21, 2022
Will be the fall-guy this year due to the inept board.
— ComeOnYouBlues.com/forum (@ChatEverton) July 21, 2022
Whichever group is correct, there is little doubt that Everton’s 4-0 loss against Minnesota has raised red flags ahead of the start of the season and should finally prompt some meaningful action from the Goodison Park side.
