Former Blues manager Frank Lampard was hired by Everton on Monday, inheriting a team precariously sitting 16th in the Premier League, just four points above the relegation zone.
The iconic ex Blues striker admitted on Thursday his job at hand to revive the fortunes of a heavily beleaguered Everton after taking over as manager following Rafael Benitez’s dismissal is indeed a tough one, nonetheless.
The former Chelsea boss, making an appearance at his first press conference after taking charge at Goodison Park, is well cognisant of the Herculean task facing him to inject adrenaline into a grossly under-performing squad, to say the least, although Lampard is quietly confident he can haul Everton out of the mire of the bottom three and put the troubled club on a new, better footing for the future.
“I understand in the short term the job is to improve our league position,” he said. “In the long term, it is clear it is a club with big ambition, big history, a huge fanbase and a desire throughout to improve.
“There is a lot of work to be done but I am very proud to be given this opportunity to be at the front of it.”
Lampard had quietly made his presence felt when he made an immediate impact following confirmation of his appointment as Everton manager by influencing the deadline-day signings of Dele Alli, on a permanent deal from Tottenham, and Donny van de Beek, on loan from Manchester United. In all, highly laudable achievements that pointed to his astute planning and fast-developing management savvy.
Lampard – being probably the best person with the personal experience and know-how to accomplish this – also aims to bring the best out of Alli after the midfielder saw his Tottenham career stall together with his dwindling involvement in the England squad.
“He’s had difficult times,” Lampard said. “I would make no bones about it, and nor would he, but there can be many reasons for that.
“My job is to start with a fresh slate with him and have him in an environment that suits him and pushes him to extract that player we know is there.”
Additional encouraging news also came in the form of the announcement on Thursday of the impending arrival of Lampard’s former team-mate with Chelsea and England, Ashley Cole, who would be joining the backroom staff as a first-team coach.
“I’m delighted to add Ashley into my backroom team. Everyone knows about his superb playing career and what he has achieved in the game,” Lampard said.
“He is now a well-respected coach which has been recognised by his work with England Under-21s.”
Cole said: “I was thrilled when Frank asked me to join him at Everton. This is a brilliant opportunity with a fantastic club and I’m coming here to work hard and try to help bring success to Everton.
“The chance to link up again with Frank was another huge draw.”
Lampard will take charge of Everton for the first time in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round home match against Brentford. Many eyes will be on Frank and his new team as the former Blues gaffer flexes his waiting muscles after a forced layoff.