Everton boss Frank Lampard said he had “absolutely” no fear of being sent off after his team’s defeat by West Ham in the Premier League.
The Toffees haven’t won their first division since last October and are stuck in a relegation battle for 19th place.
Everton’s poor form, consisting of six defeats and two draws, is Lampard’s longest winless run as a manager in league competition.
“I’m not afraid to be afraid,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
When asked by Sky Sports if it was time to sack Lampard, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri – who was at the London stadium to watch his side play for the first time in 14 months – replied: “I can’t comment. It’s not my decision.”
During Everton’s poor run in the league over the past three months, the club has also been knocked out by both teams Carabao Cup and the FA cup in the third round.
Jarrod Bowen scored twice at half-time to give former Toffees boss David Moyes a much-needed win and more misery for Lampard.
The Blues manager added: “I’m not afraid at all [being sacked]-I’m proud to do the job.
“I’m just doing my job. I get up every day and think how can we get a little better – it’s that simple.”
Lampard admitted after the defeat that the club were going through “difficult times” and said he knew the job at Goodison Park would be big when he took over a year ago because the team was already struggling.
“We fought a big battle and we stayed in the league [last season]he said for today’s match.
“We lost Richarlison and now we’re trying to build around that, so naturally we have to fight again when other clubs are trying to move forward.
“History goes on and nothing gives you the right to be in their league. If you don’t move you’re going to have a hard time. We’re in tough times and everyone should try to move on.”
“It’s impossible for me to jump into the future. Last season we were five points shy of safety with five or six games to go, but as a club we have to move together.
“I can’t complain about the morale of the players and the way they handled the game. Maybe they took it slow but we didn’t find it in the last third.”
Match of the Day expert Jermaine Jenas, the former Tottenham and England midfielder, said: “I feel a bit sorry for him. [Lampard]. He’s probably conflicted about whether he’s sitting tight and trying to keep a clean sheet, since he doesn’t have any goalscorers in the squad – so what chance did he get? “
Asked about Moshiri’s comments on Lampard’s future, Jenas added: “If he [Moshiri] He doesn’t make decisions, so who is he? He is definitely beyond responsible.
“Obviously he felt his presence at the game would have some sort of impact. I think it sums up the club’s separation and what’s really going on there and why there’s so much turmoil and frustration within the fanbase.”
| Manager | Toys | w | Dr | the | points | points for each game |
| Mike Walker | 31 | 6 | 9 | 16 | 27 | 0.87 |
| Frank Lampard | 38 | 9 | 8 | 21 | 35 | 0.92 |
| Rafael Benitez | 19 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 1.00 |
| Walter Smith | 143 | 41 | 42 | 60 | 165 | 1.15 |
| Source: Stats Perform |
analysis
BBC football chief Phil McNulty
Everton boss Frank Lampard is in such a precarious position that it would be a greater shock if he survived than if he was sacked.
Lampard has overseen just one point from Everton’s past seven Premier League matches, at Manchester City, and they are now in relegation trouble in 19th place with just three wins and 15 points from 20 games.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri, who last attended the Goodison Park game in October 2021, was on hand to watch the 2-0 loss to struggling West Ham that will surely end Lampard’s reign less than a year after he took charge.
It certainly looked ominous when Moshiri refused to back Lampard as he was ‘on the doorstep’ at the London Stadium, although it is noteworthy that his decision was not at odds with the usual impression – that the billionaire’s volatility and impatience are behind plenty of bad moves. , including five managerial sackings, put Everton through this perilous ordeal.
Lampard’s class as a personality – and his willingness to interact with an increasingly angry fanbase – means his departure will not be celebrated by fans. But the results simply weren’t good enough after last season’s late escape from relegation.
Everton’s board was at least present at West Ham, having turned away from the last home game against Southampton at Goodison Park on security advice – meaning they saw first-hand how upset fans were, with more protests and banners calling for them to be removed.
It may eventually happen – but the one who currently appears to be in danger of being removed is Lampard.
“We are behind you” – encouraging words from Lampard fans
Significant away support brought banners expressing their anger at the Everton board and the club’s decline in recent seasons.
The protests were personally witnessed this time by Moshiri, along with chairman Bill Kenwright, chief executive Dennis Barrett Baxendale, director of football Kevin Thelwell and manager Graeme Sharp after he advised board members to miss last week’s home defeat by Southampton. due to safety concerns.
Unfortunately for Lampard, the result was disappointing as well.
He was given a small pre-match morale boost, however, when a group of fans offered him words of encouragement and reiterated that their disapproval was mainly directed at the club’s hierarchy.
“It’s not about you – that’s why all the boys are here to support the team,” said one fan, shaking his hand in the video shared on social media.
“We are all behind you. I know you are under a little bit of pressure but we have your back 100% and we are all here today.”
League leaders Everton will host Arsenal next Saturday, before the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield on February 13.
