Frank Lampard remains determined to revive Everton’s fortunes, despite battling to save his Goodison Park job.
The former Chelsea boss insists he needs no words of support from Everton’s board, instead focusing on arresting the club’s worrying slump.
Lampard will be in the hot-seat long enough to take Everton to Old Trafford for Friday’s third-round FA Cup clash against Manchester United — but there are no guarantees beyond that.
Everton have slipped to 18th in the Premier League, with Tuesday’s 4-1 home loss against Brighton turning the Goodison air toxic.
Club owner Farhad Moshiri is thought to be casting around already for alternatives to Lampard, but the former England midfielder remains unmoved by the pressure.
“I’ve never, and would never, seek reassurances,” said Lampard. “It’s my job to focus on the job in hand, day to day, game to game. I’m not hunting around for any reassurances. I’m a big man, working for a great club, and I’ll keep doing it.”
Everton’s last win in any competition was the 3-0 home League triumph over Crystal Palace on October 22, with Lampard’s men suffering five defeats and two draws since.
Lampard has told Everton’s beleaguered squad to shut out all distractions and focus solely on tonight’s Cup clash, which represents a daunting challenge, given United’s return to form under Erik ten Hag.
“If we win the next League game, we’ll be out of the bottom three probably, it’s part of the process,” added Lampard.
“I’m very aware of what I came in to do in this job. I want to be a success at this club. Any challenges that come along, I’ll take them on and actually enjoy them.
“I enjoy working for this club, it’s a real honour for me. That’s why I said I don’t need reassurances.”
Lampard’s problems have been exacerbated by a Nathan Patterson knee ligament injury that will keep the full-back out of action for six weeks.
“It’s a blow, a big blow. He’s come in, broken through and done well for us,” said Lampard. “It’s time for others to step up to that mantle.”
