)
Frank Lampard has said Everton’s players cannot be selfish and must put the team’s fight against relegation before their own interests
Everton boss Frank Lampard has attempted to rally the troops by impressing the need for selflessness on his Everton players as they face a potential relegation fight.
This has been a week in which the relationship between Everton's board and their fan base has fractured beyond repair and Lampard knows that if there is any dislocation amongst his squad, the club's chances of beating relegation will be severely undermined.
)
The Everton manager admits he exchanged words with some players after Saturday’s damaging home defeat by Southampton, which left the club joint-bottom of the Premier League and Lampard in a precarious position before Saturday’s trip to West Ham.
Lampard wants selfless players
Lampard did not elaborate on what was said or who was involved, but made clear he expects “good teammates” who will fight for Everton “and not think about themselves”.
“I had things to say because from my point of view, in the position we are in, we have to fight and be ready for the fight,” he said.
“If the players in the dressing room are disappointed we lost then that is good. If they want to fight and be a good teammate and not think about themselves, think about the team, try to get the result the next week and train throughout the week with great intensity, whether they are starting or not, that is all I want.”
Big picture for Everton and Lampard
Lampard knows his position as Everton boss remains in peril and the consequences of losing against basement rivals West Ham tomorrow could have grave consequences.
)
Lampard has overseen a run of 10 defeats in 13 games and must find a response if he is to keep his job and steer Everton to safety.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)