EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Everton are humbled by Minnesota United as Frank Lampard issues a warning to his players

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Everton barely managed to survive the relegation battle with Burnley and Leeds United at the end of last season. The Toffees ended their campaign in 16th position and the season was clearly a disaster. The club started the season under Rafael Benitez, much to the dismay of the fans due to his past with Liverpool.

However, Frank Lampard was appointed as the Everton manager after Rafael Benitez was sacked in January 2022. The Englishman was welcomed with an uphill battle of saving Everton from relegation as they sat on 15th position in the league table.

Lampard managed to save Everton from relegation after successive victories against Chelsea and Leicester City. However, it seems that the club has not moved on from the tail end of the last season.

Everton were humiliated by Minnesota United in a pre-season friendly. It was evident from the game that the players are not focused on the job ahead. Minnesota United was clearly the better team in the match as they dominated all parts of the game.

Everton can find themselves with similar problems next season

The pre-season result against the American club showcased that the squad is not up for the challenge that lies ahead. Everton is winless in the pre-season and the manager has some wise words for the squad ahead of the season. Frank Lampard told Everton TV that:

“The players have to work and understand we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season. We had an amazing night [against Crystal Palace] and an amazing run but, as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly, so the players have to put it to bed as well, because we were in that fight for a reason.”

The Englishman further said:

“And if we don’t want to be in that situation again, they have to better and I have to be better. As a club, it [the Minnesota game] reinforced the situation in terms of what we need to do with the squad, because it has to be stronger that what we saw tonight.”

Frank Lampard seems to be far from impressed with his team’s performances in pre-season and will hope to refresh the squad with some new players. Everton has just made one new signing in the form of James Tarkowski from Burnley on a free transfer.

The Toffees will be hopeful of securing an adequate replacement for Richarlison who left the club earlier this summer. However, there are very few forwards available on the market. It will be interesting to see what Everton does to replace the Brazilian ahead of the season.

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