Jordan Pickford ‘publicly berates’ Everton teammate James Tarkowski in break in play – Jeff Stelling
Jordan Pickford was spotted publicly berating Everton teammate James Tarkowski during the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth by Jeff Stelling on Saturday (12 November).
The Toffees were handily beaten by the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium for the second time in four days, and now sit just one point above the relegation zone heading into the month-long break for the World Cup.
But following a largely shocking performance from Frank Lampard’s side, Stelling told Sky Sports News (12 November, 05:21pm) something he spotted and queried pundit Sue Smith as to whether it could affect team morale.
“I know Jordan Pickford has been fantastic this season, no question,” Stelling said. “I just want to ask you about another incident. When they conceded their third goal, he very publicly berates James Tarkowski before the game gets underway again. I mean, that can’t do any good in terms of morale, can it?”
Sue Smith replied: “I think it’s just frustration from the players and the desperation of wanting to win.”
Authority
When Everton were in a relegation scrap last season, there was a severe lack of leaders on the pitch at any time and while they’re struggling again this season, that now isn’t the case.
Pickford has stepped into a senior leadership role within the squad with Seamus Coleman finding regular starts more hard to come by, and the additions of Tarkowski, Conor Coady and Idrissa Gueye to the side too have helped that.
So it’s good to see players calling others out and trying to make people take accountability for their mistakes regardless of their role in the squad or standing in the dressing room.
Pickford is known to be a big whinger anyway and is always flapping his arms and shouting at someone, but he proved in a poor performance yesterday that he takes no prisoners and doesn’t care who you are when he’s doing it.
It’s a positive thing for sure so long as it’s constructive, and if everyone takes it on board then this squad is good enough to get out of danger and push up the table.