Frank Lampard believes Everton’s summer transfer business addressed his immediate priorities for the team but says not every problem can be rectified in one window.
Everton made eight signings, with the midfielders Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner arriving on deadline day, yet remain short of striking options with Richarlison sold and only Neal Maupay added in that department. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has yet to feature this season due to a knee injury but is scheduled to resume training next week.
Lampard, however, is satisfied that Everton’s transfer window has laid foundations for long-term improvement. “I think Evertonians are realistic,” he said. “Outside the fanbase maybe there is a lazy view that Everton are big historically and should be in the top eight after the money that we spent a while ago. But it doesn’t work that way. There are clubs in and around us in terms of last season’s table who have spent a lot of money, are more stable and are spending money at a higher rate than we are. But we have to focus on ourselves and see if we can improve on last season and have a good sense of identity.
“I think this window has helped with that identity. The plan was – can we bring more personality in the team? Can we be more solid at the back? Can we bring more youth that will develop and get better? I think we have done that. Now it’s up to us – and me – to work and show that we are doing a good job.”
Everton are without a Premier League win this season before Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Liverpool and Lampard says finding the correct balance between an improved defence and the attack will take time. “History tells you when you are building for something it takes time and there are bumps in the road,” added the Everton manager. “To think we can go from a relegation battle and solve those problems in one window … you can’t solve them straight away in one day on the training pitch. It takes time. We are in that early stage.
“I think Evertonians are very understanding. No one is expecting us to go to the moon and if we try to we will make mistakes trying to get there too quickly. It is my job to get the balance.”
