Frank Lampard now shares what really ‘surprised’ him about Everton as a football club

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Frank Lampard suffered a truly ill-fated stint as manager of Everton, although he was always destined to fail.

Realistically, anyone who takes on that role is putting themselves in the firing line, as surely one of football’s most difficult jobs.

Taking on all the financial burden that comes with becoming the figurehead of a club like the Toffees, as well as the on-pitch struggles that have persisted for three seasons now, it is a wonder that anyone would want the post.

Sean Dyche is the latest who is suffering in his attempts to succeed at Goodison Park, likely plagued by the same issues that Lampard has now revealed.

What Frank Lampard said about Everton

Chatting to JOE, the former Derby County, Chelsea and Everton manager took fans throughout his illustrious career which has faltered since he stepped into management.

However, tasked with some truly arduous positions, it has not been the most straightforward of forays into coaching.

Now, speaking about arguably the toughest of those three jobs he has undertaken, he would reveal what shocked him most about the Toffees upon first joining back in 2022.

The 45-year-old claimed: ‘In terms of the actual club itself I was surprised when I got there about where it was at 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 is a poisoned chalice at the moment, with the size and stature of the club an alluring enough prospect which hides mountains of debt, little to no money available for transfers, and a disgruntled fanbase who are sick and tired of their persisting problems.

Lampard in particular joined following Rafael Benitez’s truly toxic stint, which had eradicated any remaining ties that supporters had with the ownership.

It was a fatal mistake, and one which could have certainly sent them spiralling into the Championship were it not for Lampard’s appointment.

For that, fans will likely forever be grateful, and despite his shortcomings, he remains a well-liked figure on Merseyside.

However, he just lacked that tactical acumen in the vital moments, and it proved decisive when managing a club where the margins are so fine.