The noise outside Goodison Park is much quieter than when impassioned Evertonians inspired their team towards safety in May but Frank Lampard can hear it just as clearly. Another fight for survival. First manager to be sacked, according to the bookies. Whatever unfolds, a crash course in management at opposite ends of the Premier League table has made Lampard better-equipped to handle it.
“I don’t mind that,” he says of the doom-laden prophecies that accompany Everton into the season. “I’m not immune to hearing it. I know it’s there in certain places. If you come off a relegation battle and lose a player of high value to the team on the pitch [Richarlison] I think it’s understandable. I understand when I listen to the radio and people say we’re probably going to be in a fight again. That’s no problem. Other clubs are probably being told they’re going to be in the European places. It means nothing at the minute.
