Alex Iwobi delivers verdict on Frank Lampard after Everton exit speculation
Alex Iwobi has urged Everton fans to stick by Frank Lampard despite the Toffees facing yet another relegation battle this season.
Lampard joined Everton last season to help steer the club clear of relegation after a dismal spell under Rafael Benitez.
Yet as we approach Lampard’s one-year anniversary as Everton boss, the club remains towards the bottom end of the Premier League table, with the Toffees currently sitting just one point clear of the bottom three in 17th.
Lampard will need to turn things around for Everton in the second half of the season if the 44-year-old is to avoid the sack. His job was under huge pressure throughout November [Daily Mail], but the club decided to keep faith with Lampard over the winter break.
Iwobi, who has thrived in midfield under Lampard, has now delivered his verdict on Lampard. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the Everton star said:
“I say stick by him [Lampard] because, not just me, the players do appreciate what he is doing and what he is doing for the club.
“He is a hard-working man, who is putting his job first – maybe before his family! He does work very hard and is an understanding man, so stick by him.”
Unity
If Everton are to avoid the drop once again, the club will need to show the same spirit that was on display last year.
Fans flooded to Goodison Park to back the squad and Lampard in their darkest moments and the same may be required again.
Hopefully the club can back Lampard with some January signings next month and Everton can start to put a gap between them and the relegation candidates this season.
But the Toffees have been hugely underwhelming this season and without an influx of goals, it looks as though the club will be in the relegation dogfight once again.
But Lampard has shown signs of promise during his time in Merseyside. The signings of Conor Coady, James Tarkowski and Amadou Onana represent real progress, and his coaching of Iwobi has also been top-class.
As suggested by Iwobi, the club needs to stay united in support of Lampard this season.