Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has now shared what he didn’t understand when Frank Lampard was managing the club.
The 30-year-old admits that ‘it was hard’ at points last season after falling out with Frank Lampard, prior to the manager’s January dismissal.
Indeed, Doucoure was excluded from Everton’s trip to West Ham back in January following an altercation with Lampard and was asked to train alone at Finch Farm.
As reported via the Liverpool Echo, Doucoure reflects: “I was out of the picture, and I was not even on the bench. It was hard for me, but I have a strong mentality, and I will always fight hard for this club.
“I think this season was a little bit hard for me because, like I said before, it was the first time I didn’t have time to play and I didn’t understand why.”
Doucoure rightfully earned his place back in Sean Dyche’s Everton XI
Following the appointment of Sean Dyche in January, Doucoure’s Everton career was revitalised, featuring in every game under the new coach, minus the three for which he was suspended after a red card against Spurs.
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In that time, Abdoulaye Doucoure scored five goals, including last Sunday’s winner against Bournemouth, and contributed two assists.
The Mali international earned himself a one-year contract extension with the club, remaining at Goodison Park for the 2023/24 season, following an impressive second half of the campaign.
Indeed, the 30-year-old insists that he benefitted from the appointment of Sean Dyche, who he thinks is the right man for the Blues.
Doucoure continued: “When the manager came in, it was the best decision for Everton Football Club, and I am happy to get more years here.”
Everton’s goalscoring hero in the relegation decider against Bournemouth, Doucoure has earned a place in the club’s folklore, but let’s hope he keeps up the impressive displays next season.