July 21 – Having nearly avoided relegation in the most dramatic of circumstances, Everton boss Frank Lampard has told his team to improve or risk another season battling the drop following a 4-0 defeat by Minnesota United on their pre-season tour in the US.
Last season, Everton ensured safety with a win against Crystal Palace in their penultimate game, a victory that led to a pitch invasion and ecstatic scenes at Goodison Park, but Lampard has warned that the club might face the same scenario this season if they don’t improve.
Everton went down 4-0 to Minnesota United, a second consecutive defeat on their pre-season tour in North America after defeat at the hands of Arsenal in Baltimore.
“The players have to understand that we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season,” said Lampard.
“We had an amazing night [against Palace] and an amazing run which was great historically for the club but, as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly so the players better put it to bed as well.
“We were in that fight for a reason and, if we don’t want to be in that situation again, they have to be better, I have to be better.”
Everton will conclude their pre-season with a friendly in Blackpool and a home game against Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv. They welcome Chelsea on August 6 to get their Premier League campaign underway.
“Lots to think about, lots of work to do,” said Lampard. “What matters is where we are at in two and a half weeks.
“If there is to be good to come out of this, the players and the dressing room have to understand that they have just put in a very poor performance individually and collectively and been well beaten.”
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