Frank Lampard insisted he wants to be the manager who helps Everton compete for Europe and trophies as he spoke about facing Richarlison for the first time since his move to Tottenham Hotspur. In the aftermath of his sale, Richarlison told Four Four Two of his passion for Everton but also spoke of what he perceived as a lack of ambition.
Frank Lampard said: “It’s always a tough call when you have such strong connections with your club, and that was definitely the case for me. I was happy at Everton and I’m grateful for everything I learned there. It’s a big club with a lot of history. However, perhaps they’re suffering with a lack of ambition nowadays. You know, that eagerness to win matches and trophies. I spent four years there and I could see there was still a very long way to go to achieve big things. I felt it was the right time to move on, and the club also had to make some money. It was a good deal for everyone involved. I’m delighted with this new challenge at Spurs.”
Speaking ahead of Everton’s trip to Spurs on Saturday, Lampard repeatedly praised Richarlison and suggested the comments may have sounded worse than they were intended. He also acknowledged Spurs are competing at a level Everton are not yet at. But he insisted there was no lack of desire in what he was trying to create on Merseyside.
Frank Lampard said: “I am certainly ambitious, I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t. We’re trying to build something. It is clear to see Tottenham are in the Champions League and we are not, in simple terms that is it. I think that is probably his point… We all wish Richy well and it’s a nice situation for a player to leave a club with a good feeling. The fans respected the work ethic and the quality he brought here. His teammates respected it and he moves on and we certainly move on.”
