Robbie Walls
Frank Lampard reckons that Everton’s recent struggles are a sign of the brutal nature of the Premier League, as the Chelsea boss prepares to face former manager Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday evening.
After a strong start to the season that saw them pick up 13 points from their opening five league fixtures, the Toffees have suffered a real drop off in form and have won just one of their last seven, leaving them ninth in the table.
While they do still have a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester United to come, their hopes of securing European qualification are in real danger of slipping away if they can’t arrest their current slump.
That form contrasts greatly to that of Chelsea, with Lampard’s side enjoying a superb run of results that has left them just two points behind leaders Tottenham, while they’ve also progressed into the Champions League knockout stages after topping their group.
The Blues will be looking to continue their unbeaten run at the weekend, with Lampard set to welcome his former boss to Stamford Bridge, with the two men having won an FA Cup and a Premier League title in Ancelotti’s two-year spell at the club.
While the Italian is currently in the midst of a difficult spell on Merseyside, Lampard was full of praise for the former Real Madrid and AC Milan coach and believes that despite Everton’s recent woes they are still a quality outfit.
“That’s the nature of the Premier League, they started very well and have quality players, and have a fantastic manager who is one of the best in the world,” said Lampard at his pre-match press conference.
“The Premier League is unforgiving. We all have patches where results are challenging but it doesn’t change my thoughts about how I approach Everton.
“They are a very good side, with quality individuals, who can win games.
“I’m focusing on their strengths and dangers when we go there.”