Frank Lampard agreed on terms with the club to become the new Everton boss. After Rafa Benitez was sacked two weeks ago, the club’s hierarchy held interviews with candidates. Club owner Farhad Moshiri finally opted for Lampard, despite former Porto coach Vitor Pereira being the frontrunner two days ago.
Lampard was interviewed in London and impressed the Everton decision-makers with his plans for the team’s future. The former midfielder is expected to be assisted in his role by now Chelsea coach Anthony Barry. Current caretaker manager Duncan Ferguson is uncertain of his role in the future coaching staff at Goodison Park.
Also on Everton’s radar in the interview phase, Derby County manager Wayne Rooney turned down the opportunity.
Lampard had his first talks with Everton last week, then he was interviewed on Friday. And so were Vitor Pereira and Duncan Ferguson. Lampard last managed Chelsea. The 43-year-old was sacked one year ago after a poor run of form which led the club to ninth in the Premier League table. Under new management with Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea turned their campaign around and won the Champions League, also playing the FA Cup final.
During the past months, Lampard was credited with chances for managerial roles at Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Norwich City. He will make his Everton debut on 5 Feb., in the FA Cup fourth-round tie against Brentford.
Can Everton get relegated under Lampard?
Before taking the Chelsea role in Jul. 2019, Lampard coached Derby County in the English second tier.
His first objective at Everton will be to help the club climb up the league ladder. The Toffees are now 16th in the Premier League, just four points above the relegation places.
The bookies don’t see them going down, though. Everton sits at +450 to get relegated, with Norwich, Watford, Burnley and Newcastle all at lower returns. Everton is at +1000 to turn things around and finish inside the top 10 at the end of the season.
