Frank Lampard admits Everton’s clash with Burnley is ‘a big pressure game’ for the club ahead of a Premier League relegation six-pointer at Turf Moor.
Everton travel to face Burnley on Wednesday evening, with the two sides desperate for points as they bid to climb away from the Premier League’s bottom three.
The Toffees have lost six of their eight games since Lampard’s arrival as manager in January and are just three points above the drop zone. Burnley are on a run of four consecutive defeats, but can move within a point of Everton with a win this evening.
Lampard has discussed a huge clash for his side and admits there is ‘big pressure’ on the fixture with both sides fighting for survival.
“Burnley have had a lot of years of different relative successes. They’re good at what they do and make it difficult. You have to be up for the basics in the game,” Lampard told his pre-match press conference.
“There are nine games to go after for us, but it’s a big pressure game. It’s what we’re here for. It’s a big deal. We’re in the reality that we’re near the bottom of the table, fighting to stay in the league. The club will be very focused and very understanding of that.”
Lampard also discussed the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled since recovering from the fitness issues that have plagued his season and is without a goal in eight Premier League appearances.
Lampard admits the England international needs to be managed as he returns to full fitness, but believes Calvert-Lewin is in ‘a good place’ to finish the season strongly.
“The day before the West Ham game he was feeling a little bit stiff,” he said. “We want to manage him right, but at the same time he’s getting into the position where he’s right and ready.
“He’s a top talent, a player who wants to perform. Unfortunately when you’re at that level, people want that at all times. When you’re striving for fitness and sharpness, it’s not as easy as people think. He’s in a good place now, it’s time to stop talking hopefully.”
