Everton boss Frank Lampard urged into Finch Farm change – Michael Ball
Michael Ball has told Everton boss Frank Lampard the Finch Farm change he must make in order to get a response from the players.
The Toffees have made some progress in the league, extending their lead on the relegation zone to three points but their embarrassing FA Cup quarter-final exit has left the new boss and his players under fire yet again.
Writing in his Liverpool ECHO column, Ball claimed he doesn’t see the hunger or determination from the players whilst urging Lampard to make a key change at Finch Farm.
He said: “What he needs to do in training in something I experienced both in Holland and at Rangers. Five-a-sides where it was ‘put your shin pads on today lads, we’re having a competitive game and we might put money on it’.
“I bet you the tempo and the tackles go up. Frank can watch from the sidelines and see who is hungry and who is up for it when something matters and it’s something they care about whether it’s money or personal pride.
“It might sound daft and people could fear that you could get more injuries but it’s football and injuries happen.
“As fans, we don’t see that hunger or determination from these players.”
Responsible
This is such a tough one. There were certainly lifts when the former Chelsea boss first arrived but that is expected when a new manager comes to a club.
The players were probably buzzing to see the back of Rafa Benitez whilst trying to impress Lampard when he first came in which contributed to a real feel-good factor around the club.
However, the tempo on and off the pitch has petered out of late. Lampard has gone from taking responsibility for poor performances to blaming the players which you can somewhat understand with the amateur level mistakes the Blues have been making.
The honeymoon period is now officially over and some cracks are starting to appear that the boss has to fix.
At the end of the day, he picks the team and sets them up tactically, of course, the players might make some mistakes on the pitch but it is on Lampard to fix the issues.
It doesn’t matter how well the former Derby manager claims they played at Selhurst Park, losing 4-0, especially in a quarter-final, is disgusting and it needs sorting out before it is too late.
In other Everton news, Michael Ball claims the Toffees players have no “backbone”.
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