HAVING A BALL
‘Enjoy the ball’ – Watch Frank Lampard encourage struggling Everton stars in first training session as new Toffees boss
FRANK LAMPARD is already bringing the feel-good factor to Everton - by encouraging his new players to 'enjoy the ball'.
The former Derby and Chelsea boss officially took over on Monday and had his first training session today.
5
5
5
He has a big task on his hands to get the under-firing Toffees climbing back up the Premier League table from 16th, just four points clear of safety.
Lamps, 43, wasted no time in spreading positive vibes around the club.
In a video posted on Everton's social media, he can be heard barking out instructions to his squad as they passed a ball around in a box.
Lampard was joined on the Finch Farm training pitches by his new backroom team, including Paul Clement, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones.
One of the things he shouted was: "Enjoy the ball," as he encouraged the struggling stars to build their confidence back up.
Everton have won just one of their last 14 Premier League matches dating back to the beginning of October - losing ten.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
However, they will be looking to turn a corner under the new boss, starting against Brentford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
Then it is a trip to fellow-strugglers Newcastle on February 8.
Lampard brought in Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli on a busy deadline day at Goodison.
Both midfielders referenced the England legend's appointment as one of the key reasons behind their moves.
Van de Beek, who arrived on loan from Manchester United, said: “I want to score goals, of course, but not only this – I want to help with my passing and give some assists to our front players.
"The manager was a little bit in the same position as me – a midfield player who was scoring a lot of goals.
"Of course, I think he can help me improve, so I think I’m in a good spot."
Free transfer Dele, whose add-ons could rise to £40million, added: "I’m looking forward to helping the team and the opportunity to work with the new manager Frank Lampard.
"I've had a few good conversations with him already, he's a player I admired through his whole career watching him. I'm pleased to work with him, it's very exciting, I'm sure we can do great things together.
"I just want to be happy playing football. Working with Lampard, and the great players Everton have got, is a great opportunity for me to do that. I'm excited to go there, show the fans what I can do, and help the club as much as I can."
5
5
Topics