‘I knew the hunger was there to come back’: Frank Lampard ready to return to management with Everton – despite former Chelsea boss admitting he was ‘happy at home’ following Blues sacking
- Frank Lampard says he ‘knew the hunger was there’ to return to management
- New Everton boss claims he was ‘happy at home’ after Chelsea sacking last year
- Shares advice from other managers following his exit from Stamford Bridge
- 43-year-old has reflected on his past and comes to Everton ‘with a plan’
Everton boss Frank Lampard claims he ‘knew the hunger was there to come back’ to management, following his sacking at Chelsea last year.
The former Blues boss has been out of work since January last year, where he was replaced at Stamford Bridge by current coach Thomas Tuchel, but claims he used that time to reflect on his mistakes.
In a recent interview, the 43-year-old confirmed that he feels ready and prepared to take embark on a new venture with the Toffees.
Frank Lampard says he ‘knew the hunger was there to come back’ to management
Former Chelsea boss took charge of Everton’s 4-1 FA Cup victory against Brentford
Speaking to BT Sport, Lampard said: ‘This is a completely different situation from what I’ve been in before. But I felt very ready for it because I’ve worked and now I’ve had time to think about where I want to be and I didn’t take this job with my eyes closed. I’ve come here with my eyes open, with a plan.
‘I was actually quite happy at home some days. I had a new born son, you can sit and watch a game removed, it’s not the worst occasionally! But I knew the hunger was there to come back in.
‘I like a challenge, and I like the history and the size of Everton football club. I grew up with them being a major player in the 80s when I was a young lad.’
43-year-old claims he’s come to Everton ‘with a plan’ after nearly a year out of management
Lampard says ‘culture, values and philosophy’ need to be put aside for the time being
Lampard’s first call to action as Everton boss was an FA Cup clash against Brentford – which his side comfortably won 4-1.
Speaking on the impact that victory could have on morale, Lampard said: ‘It did lift it [morale]. From the outside I can see it’s been a tough time, for players and fans alike. Everyone wants the best for this football club and they’re very passionate about it.
‘My biggest thing was to hopefully get that link on day one of players performing at a level and a style that the fans buy into.
‘Coming into a club mid-season and the position that we’re in, it’s very different to going in and having a preseason to take your time. To talk about culture, values and philosophy – those need to be parked slightly for us.
Lampard won 44 out of 84 games in charge as Chelsea manager – averaging a 52.4% win rate
The Englishman has been out of a job since the start of January last year, when Thomas Tuchel took over at Stamford Bridge.
Reflecting on his departure from Chelsea, Lampard said: ‘If u hang on it, you can probably go ‘Oh I did this, I did that wrong, all these things’ – what’s important is that you understand it happens to everyone.
Many a great manager has got in touch with me since I left Chelsea, to the point of even now joining Everton. It happens to basically everyone, and so how can you be better for it?’