Everton boss Frank Lampard admits Spygate is ‘history’
Everton boss Frank Lampard has claimed there are no hard feelings harboured following the Spygate saga between him and Marcelo Bielsa.
Lampard and Bielsa meet once again as the Toffees host Leeds United, this time in a Premier League relegation battle.
The former Chelsea midfielder said he had ‘complete respect’ for the Argentine despite their history.
“Not at all,” Lampard replied when asked whether Spygate will add to Saturday’s tension in the Toffees pre-Leeds United press conference.
“It’s a long-gone history, a lot has happened since then. I’ve got actually, complete respect for Marcelo Bielsa.
“And the way he is as a coach. The way he works is relatively unique. What he gets out his players, they’re a good team to watch if you’re a neutral because of the energy. That’s how I feel personally.”
6 pointer
This game is likely to bring as much tension and drama as Leeds and Derby’s Championship play off battle did in 2019.
This time the two managers will be fighting to stay in the Premier League rather than trying to gain promotion into it.
You can almost guarantee a dramatic game with these two with Sunday’s encounter set to be a thriller.
Both teams sit dangerously close to the relegation zone and if either of their poor forms continue, they might just see themselves go down.
After losing to fellow relegation strugglers Newcastle last week, the Blues simply can’t afford to lose this one.
The Whites sit four points ahead of Everton having played one game more, a gap that needs closing.
Failure to win the weekend could see Newcastle leapfrog us leaving the Blues in 17thjust one place clear of the relegation zone.
Hopefully Bielsa hasn’t been at his old tricks, peeking over the walls at Finch Farm.
In other Toffees news, Leon Osman urges Everton players to ‘step up’ for Frank Lampard.