Frank Lampard believes Everton were always destined for a 'tough' season and has offered an insight into how he plans to approach his side's upcoming Sydney Super Cup matches.
The Blues landed Down Under on Wednesday after the Premier League paused for the World Cup. Everton arrived in Australia one point above the drop zone.
As a result of last Saturday's defeat to Bournemouth, Everton have now lost five of their last seven top-flight games and were also dumped out of the Carabao Cup by the Cherries just days before last weekend’s game at the Vitality Stadium.
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The Blues finished 16th last season, having secured their Premier League survival on the penultimate day with a dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. Everton came from 2-0 down at the break to claim all three points.
And the Blues boss has claimed Everton were always in for a 'tough year' following last serason's relegation battle and believes it will take time for him to be able to build the club back up.
He said: "It was always going to be a tough year for us from where we were last year, the experience of fighting against relegation.
"We're there again and that's what it is but we're trying to build. Sometimes the building process takes time."
The Blues will face Celtic on Sunday before taking on Western Sydney Wanderers next Wednesday. A number of youngsters have joined Lampard’s squad for the competition, and he has revealed some of those will be given opportunities in the two games.
“First impressions are great. It’s nice to be here and nice to be at the beach as well with the wind,” he said when asked about his side's arrival in Australia.
“But no really warm welcome and very excited. It’s a place I haven’t been before and always wanted to come. I’m sure it is the same for some of the players. It’s great for us on both fronts. Nice to travel here and nice to play two competitive games.”
Before he added: “It’s a particular season with the World Cup splitting the season up for us. We’ve had good parts and in the last week or so with some difficult results which comes in the Premier League.
“So it’s important for us to come away and bond a little bit. Some of the younger players will get opportunities while we’re here. Go back refreshed to start in the Premier League when it comes back.”
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