Frank Lampard says there is ‘no magic wand’ to fix Everton after a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle dragged the club closer towards the Premier League’s relegation places.
Everton led at Newcastle before crashing to a disappointing defeat at St James’ Park in Lampard’s first league fixture in charge, a result which moves the Magpies out of the bottom three and leaves the Toffees just three points above the drop zone.
The loss was Everton’s fourth consecutive defeat in the Premier League and they have now won just one of their past 15 fixtures in the division, a run of results which Lampard admits has shattered the squad’s confidence.
The 43-year-old has warned that there is no quick fix to the club’s struggles this season, but is confident his side can improve and build confidence in the coming weeks,
“The confidence and belief has to be built and worked on the training ground. We are here a short time and it needs to change quickly because we want to get results,” he told BT Sport.
“Of course the players’ confidence levels are low – it smacks you in the face.
Kieran Trippier, that's brilliant! 🎯
A lovely free-kick right into the bottom corner 👌
Newcastle open up a two-goal lead and the stadium has erupted! 🎚 pic.twitter.com/r42Of5gSrJ
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 8, 2022
“When I came to the club it was on a bad run of results. There is no magic wand to fix that. This is the Premier League – it’s tough.
“The only thing to do is work hard and look forward. It was never going to be easy and this result puts it into sharp focus, but we must build that confidence.
“This is one we will have to reflect on, but it is normal to be down and disappointed. My job is to get them up for the next game,” he added.
“We have been here for one week Newcastle have had time to work. Both clubs know the direction they want to go, but we have to give time to the players who have come in.
“This was never going to be a simple ride and we need a sharp focus on what we are doing.”
Everton next face Leeds, with the weekend visitors to Goodison just one place above the Toffees in the table. Asked if his side were in a survival fight ahead of the clash, Lampard said “It’s just words to say that.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves and look at the big picture. The only focus is on Leeds to reproduce the way we played against Brentford to try to get a result there and take every game step by step.”
