Everton manager Frank Lampard said that it was difficult to reverse the club’s “downward trajectory” overnight, adding that his side is not dwelling on the possibility of relegation from the Premier League
Everton, who have spent more years in England’s top-flight than any other club, find themselves one place and one point above the drop zone after a string of disappointing results under Rafa Benitez and Lampard, who took charge in January.
“I came into a club that was on a downward trajectory, we were heading towards the relegation zone for a long period of time,” Lampard told reporters on Wednesday. “Those things don’t change overnight, they also don’t change with just talking.
“It’s how you tackle what the situation is in front of you. And the first thing is the practical side, training and focus. I think if you walk around in fear of that (relegation) happening, you’re adding to the chance it might happen.
“It’s not time for lies or to change the story, we know where we’re at. It’s about what can we deal with - we deal with these 12 games in front of us.”
Lampard said that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has missed most of the season through injury, could be available after sitting out the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday due to illness.
“Dominic trained lightly yesterday,” Lampard said. “We’ll see how he is again this afternoon, and then look towards the squad for tomorrow.
“It’s been frustrating for him because he’s a top player and he’s a really good lad. He wants to play and he wants to get to the form that he was at over the last couple of seasons. He’s been prolific in the Premier League.”
Everton, 17th, have three games in hand on Watford below them, as well as Leeds United and Brentford above. They host Newcastle United, who have lost just one league game since the turn of the year, on Thursday.
