Everton manager Frank Lampard has insisted that the onus is on his players to “stand up and play for Everton” ahead of tomorrow evening’s FA Cup Third Round tie against Manchester United.
The Blues travel to Old Trafford in yet another period of instability within the club, as question marks remain regarding Frank Lampard’s future in the dugout following the 4-1 defeat at home to Brighton on Tuesday evening.
Indeed, the Everton boss states that the passionate fanbase played an enormous part in keeping the club in the top-flight of English football last season, but it is time for him and his squad to stand up to the task at hand.
Lampard said, “To play for Everton, you can enjoy things like 5,000 people coming before games, something that helped us get victories last year.
“Sometimes you have to show big courage because they [Evertonians] are a passionate fanbase, and I have got no problem with that.
“At certain times this season we have done that. Do we need the fans sometimes when we are below par? Yes, we do. But at this moment it’s on us to bring them with us, to stand up and play for Everton.
“I want to be a success at this club. Whatever challenges come, I’ll take them head on. It’s an honour for me to work for a great club.”
While it seems that the ex-Chelsea boss will have at least one more game to salvage his job as Everton manager, the Blues have been linked with a number of potential replacements this week, with the likes of Sean Dyche and ex-player Wayne Rooney mentioned, alongside a return for former boss Roberto Martinez.
Progression into the next round of the FA Cup will no doubt buy Lampard some time at the club, though the outcome of the home tie in the Premier League next week against fellow strugglers Southampton may well determine his fate.