Iwobi on Lampard: Stick by him

09/12/2022 33comments  |  Jump to last

Alex Iwobi says Everton fans should back manager Frank Lampard as the Blues’ squad prepares for the resumption of the Premier League season on Boxing Day.

Everton face bottom club Wolves when the campaign picks up again after the World Cup but for the fans, the hiatus for the World Cup has been either a welcome distraction or timely break from the stress and fears around the team’s form prior to the international break.

The Toffees lost three straight games in all competitions before the League paused on 12th November and sit 17th in the table having picked up just 14 points and scored 11 goals.

That has led to growing unease about the club’s prospects over the second half of the season, concern that Everton have another agonising battle against relegation in store and speculation over Lampard’s future.

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Iwobi, however, has highlighted how hard the manager is working and believes he can deliver for the Blues’ passionate fanbase who have never wavered in their support of the team since the former Chelsea boss came on board at Goodison Park at the end of last January.

“Especially last season, the fans played a big part in us staying up,” Iwobi told Sky Sports, acknowledging the part Everton’s long-suffering supporters played last season as the club avoided the drop with a game to spare. “They were coming to our training ground with flares and trying to motivate us for each game.

“I didn’t understand why it was called the ‘People’s Club’ until literally last season and I’ve seen the effect they can have on the team.

“Of course [I can understand their frustration at the lack of trophies]. Even me coming to Everton… the club’s very ambitious and wants to achieve something.

“If [the players and] I can help them then that’s what we want to do. We owe it to [the fans] and ourselves so that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Asked what he would say to Everton fans who are wondering about Lampard right now, Iwobi was unequivocal about the man who gave him the belief to finally start fulfilling his potential following a big-money move from Arsenal three years ago.

“I say stick by him because not just me but the [other] players appreciate what he’s doing and what he’s done, not just in his career but what he’s doing for the club right now.

“He’s a hard-working man and he’s always putting his job first, even before his family! He does work really hard and he’s a very understanding man, so stick by him.”

 

Reader Comments (33)

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Sam Hoare
1 Posted 09/12/2022 at 07:55:32
Working hard is a good start but it’s not enough. Lampards been here for a year now and will get to bring in a few more players in January.

It all comes down to results.

Wolves, City, Brighton, United, Southampton. You’d think we’ll need at least 6/7 points from that lot to stay out of relegation zone. If we don’t manage that then I wouldn’t be surprised to yet again see a new face in the dugout.

Danny O’Neill
2 Posted 09/12/2022 at 08:21:22
Fair enough Sam, but it starts with hard work.

Hard work alone won't make you successful. Ability without hard work won't either.

I hope Frank's attitude that helped him achieve things rubs off on our players who are good enough.

But he still needs better ones. Some are just not good enough or don't work hard enough. But he seems to be gradually changing it.

Let's go and pick up some points. Hopefully the pause has done them good and they have reset.

I fear that if Pickford plays a blinder this weekend and makes more Jordan the Cat saves in front of World Cameras, he could be toast as an Everton player in either January or the Summer.

I'm sure the management staff won't want to sell him, but if the Main Stand get a sniff, we know what happens in those scenarios.

Danny Baily
4 Posted 09/12/2022 at 08:50:50
I notice other teams have ramped up preparations with the international break coming to an end. Do we have any matches planned or was it just Sydney in the calendar?
Tony Everan
5 Posted 09/12/2022 at 10:27:05
Everyone wants Frank to be successful, firstly in the sense of stability and a tangible perception of progression.

Talk is cheap. Fulham onwards the level of football has been totally unacceptable. To keep Frank in the job it’s down to the likes of Alex and other first teamers to start producing the goods on the pitch and getting the manager some results.

Larry O'Hara
7 Posted 09/12/2022 at 11:13:56
Well said Alex: I’m with you and Frank. But we do need a striker…
Mike Dolan
8 Posted 09/12/2022 at 13:14:41
Lampard/Thewell need time. They took a gamble on DCL being fit and it backfired. We do not have a first team forward remotely capable of scoring consistently. We are just too easy to defend against.
We likely find it difficult to sign the players we need but a creative midfielder and at least one goal scoring forward are a must. Plus Cannon, Warrington and Price being promoted.
We were scratching out results until Paterson got injured he is becoming a massive player for us and his injury really effected the defense and the team. We will survive and improve. I’m 100% sure Lampard is the man.
Frank Crewe
9 Posted 09/12/2022 at 13:34:13
Always hope for the best, but I'm not holding my breath. The side are almost devoid of goals and in a sport that requires scoring goals that's a real handicap. Unless something has happened during the last few weeks to improve our scoring rate or we buy someone who can score on a regular basis in January I just see the rest of the season carrying on as before the break. A lot of huffing anf puffing and losing by the odd goal.
Jerome Shields
10 Posted 09/12/2022 at 14:29:56
I think the players have to get behind the Manager by putting the effort in on the training ground to lift their play to 2 or 3 levels higher.This international break Wasa opportunity to do that.In January Futher additions are necessary and some players need moved on.It not just about the fans getting behind the Manager as if it is all his responsibility.Where are the rest of the Manager and what are they doing?
Peter Carpenter
11 Posted 09/12/2022 at 15:46:07
Alex loves to tease. The Echo included this quote from the same interview;

'Embracing the Everton culture was a bit difficult for me, but now I feel like I am one of them and I'm at home now.'

Embracing the Everton culture? Tell us more. What culture? It hardly sounds like a positive thing if a talented player brought up on the culture of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal found it so difficult. Is it still like that? Do others find it equally difficult? Is this what holds us back? We need to know more.

Kieran Kinsella
12 Posted 09/12/2022 at 15:49:27
Peter

Maybe he meant the crime culture with Dunc, Unsy, Jeffers, Baxter.

Peter Carpenter
13 Posted 09/12/2022 at 15:57:49
Perhaps they had him driving the getaway car in his first week at the club.
Kieran Kinsella
14 Posted 09/12/2022 at 16:07:48
Peter they probably had too as he's the only one without a suspended license
Peter Carpenter
15 Posted 09/12/2022 at 16:12:52
Probably had the fastest car too, on Arsenal wages.
Joe McMahon
16 Posted 09/12/2022 at 16:27:58
Working hard is one thing, passing the ball forwards to team mates and shooting on target is another. 1995 was a long time ago, and as the saying goes "actions speak louder than words"

Whatever happens I'd rather stick with Frank than approach under pressure failures Moyes and Martinez.
Dale Self
17 Posted 09/12/2022 at 18:07:24
Alright then, this is the stuff we need to hear from Alex. To me this suggests he is comfortable with his role and is ready to make his presence felt after missing out on the cup. I had wondered at times if Frank had lost the locker room a little bit and this tells me it was something else explaining the deterioration in play.

If he can carry Frank through what is obviously a tough stretch he will be repaid with a system that revolves around him. If he steps into that leadership role we may have something serious to build on. I like it.

Fran Mitchell
18 Posted 09/12/2022 at 19:32:35
we lack quality, but we've looked bereft of ideas. Palace aside, we never look like we have a game plan.

Hard Work needs to be combined with a game plan to fit. If lacking in too class forwards, which we are, then a game plan must be developed to suit.

We need to sign players, and probably will, but that won't automatically make us better as we aren't able to sign top class game changers.

Frank rode a wave of enthusiasm and an 'all on it together' feeling around the club, but that was a one off, it won't happen again. He needs to show he has ability to build a side that can get results, grind out wins in code games, and draws when we wouldn't expect to lose.

There is not a lot to be confident about at the moment unfortunately and thoroughly enjoying the break from the Premier League.

John Raftery
19 Posted 09/12/2022 at 22:34:14
Fran (18),

Agreed, the break has been very welcome. Among the many things which concerned me in the last three defeats was the lack of a viable alternative tactical approach.

Just now, watching the Dutch fight back against Argentina, it was interesting to see them using quite rudimentary tactics with a target man up front and high crosses into the area, some of those of the ‘Hail Mary' variety.

We must strengthen with at least one forward offering sufficient physical presence to be the focal point of the attack, create possession in the final third and score a few goals along the way. It won't and doesn't have to be a marquee signing; just someone who will do a basic job and stay fit.

Tony Hill
20 Posted 09/12/2022 at 22:50:02
I think we're deep in the mire again. Iwobi himself went off the boil in the last several games and we looked clueless. More worryingly, we looked as though our frail morale had been broken.

Coming fixtures are challenging but every game is a challenge for us.

I agree with John Raftery that we have to mix things up if we can. Alas, I'm not convinced that we'll get the forward presence we need in January.

I'm sorry to be gloomy but those last games before the break were appalling and very Evertonian.

Steve Brown
21 Posted 10/12/2022 at 01:33:20
The World Cup break came just in time for Frank …. and for us.

Two or three more defeats and Moshiri would have sacked Frank. Then it would a short list of Vitor Pereira, Sean Dyche, Alan Pardew and Fabio Cannavaro.

Interviews for the job would probably be done live on Talk Sports, with Jim White and Simon Jordan as the panel.

Pat Kelly
23 Posted 10/12/2022 at 09:50:50
He's working hard. We'll be grand.
Kunal Desai
24 Posted 10/12/2022 at 10:03:45
Wolves, Brighton and Southampton at home will make or break Lampard’s future. Anything less than 4 points and I think he'll be gone.

I would have expected the club to be atleast announcing by now one player coming in on 1st January but yet again being proactive is not in there nature.

Jerome Shields
25 Posted 10/12/2022 at 11:06:29
After watching the World Cup it is really going to be hard to watch, errors, misplaced passes, miscontrol, poor possession keeping, players not getting into position or tracking back, under prepared fitness and beat before they get on the pitch performances.

Really down to the Everton players, and replacing those that are not good enough.

Paul Hewitt
26 Posted 10/12/2022 at 11:38:28
Kunal@24. I'm expecting 9 points from them games.
Steve Shave
27 Posted 10/12/2022 at 13:52:07
Nothing like realistic expectations eh Paul? They are of course the birthplace of disappointment and resentment. You have been watching our team for the past few years mate? We aren't going to get 9 points from those games, I want us to but can't see it, Brighton particularly (I'm sad to say) are a much better team and organisation.
Kunal Desai
28 Posted 11/12/2022 at 13:10:05
Expecting 9 points yes, happening no.
Danny O’Neill
29 Posted 11/12/2022 at 13:32:12
I'll meet you both in the middle. 7 points from those 3.
Tony Hill
30 Posted 11/12/2022 at 16:18:39
I'm sticking with Frank and I think that, with Cole, he'll get it right.

If that goes tits up though, would Simeone come to us and should we want him? I would say "yes" to both.

To annoy the vast majority on here, he would bring what Allardyce and Benitez could have brought had they not been dismissed, before they started, by Kenwright and the many useful idiot fans.

Jim Lloyd
31 Posted 11/12/2022 at 16:33:09
I'd agree with you Tony, on both points.
Barry Rathbone
32 Posted 11/12/2022 at 16:55:58
He's doing alright with what he has if the reality of the squad being lower mid table to relegation standard is acknowledged.

Being in sell to survive mode as a result of the BMD millstone I don't see any managerial change making a bit of difference. The players may not be great but they haven't downed tools on him.

The die is cast the Moshiri mismanagement of throwing millions down the shute on managers and sub-standard players has delivered it's inevitable result - we're in shit street.

We can only hope our astounding luck in always having 3 teams worse than us saves us. Till some other mug buys us.

Tony Abrahams
33 Posted 11/12/2022 at 17:25:25
So if we weren’t building the new ground we would suddenly be able to spend money.
Tony Hill
34 Posted 11/12/2022 at 17:32:39
Cheers, Jim @31, there are about 6 of us on here and about 300 (I estimate) in the entire Everton fanbase who think this way. Doesn't mean we aren't right, of course.
Jim Lloyd
35 Posted 11/12/2022 at 17:50:18
The 300 Spartans, eh, Tony!

Well, I think that if we keep on with this magic, not-so-merry-go-round, we're going to sink into the old First Division. We escaped it last season as supporters, the manager and the players, were as one.

If us, the supporters, give up on them, then we're (I was going to swear there!) going to be extremely lucky to avoid the drop.

Paul Burns
36 Posted 20/12/2022 at 11:47:22
Stick with him? Based on what?

Lampard's choice of players has been appalling. If you buy second-rate players, you end up with a second-rate team and we're worse than that.

I could buy a better team from the Argentinian third division for a fraction of what a succession of crap managers have wasted, yet it's a market that we ignore.


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