Opinion: Lampard needs the great escape [or an act of mercy from the ones fighting with him in the relegation zone]

The bet on the novice or less qualified manager Frank Lampard has certainly not paid off. In 12 Premier League matches since taking over. Lampards team has won 3 matches, 1 draw and 8 lost. That is a terrible stat, as the Goodison Park and Evertonians are working to survive the league this year.

What is striking as the management goes along is that Lampard haven’t been anywhere near the pressure or test as manager before. His assistant Paul Clement might be more experienced and even been in hot-water in the past. Still, that doesn’t save him this time around. After today’s loss against arch-rival and losing the Merseyside Derby on Anfield.

Lampard is for the first time in the direct relegation zone. He was only appointed or hired on the 31^st January 2022. So, everyone can say he has little to no time to make a difference. Nevertheless, when you are trailing and falling like Everton. There is a need for restructuring the squad and figure out a way to grind out results.

However, we can see that Everton and Lampard haven’t done that. As the rest of the season is a real test for him too. What is striking is that lowest points to ever save a club in the Premier League have been with West Bromwich Albion (WBA) who was able to avoid relegation with 34 points. By now that will depend on the current form of Burnley and Leeds, which is just above the line.

Everton has only two “easier” matches left of the season against Watford away on the 11^th May and Brentford at home on the 15^th May. While they are also meeting Chelsea, Leicester, Crystal Palace and Arsenal. Which are matches that could easily become bloody for them and be dreadful in the form their in. There is no consistency so these are easy favourites ahead of these games.

Burnley is meeting Watford in the next match and also meeting Aston Villa twice. While meeting even harder competitors in Newcastle and Tottenham. Though these two team will have nothing to play for and Tottenham could already be out the possibility to get into Champions League next season. Therefore, as Burnley is in better form and actually gets points. Their two points advantage can be very favourable. Especially, if Burnley wins over Watford in the next round and Everton loses against Chelsea.

That’s why the next few matches are crucial, but we shouldn’t consider a sudden change or a new football philosophy. Lampard have no time or ability to get that into play. Heck, he don’t have the squad or the morale to make things change rapidly. While Burnley and the players have fought this battle more recent and know how to play this one out. Even when Burnley is without Sean Dyche and has interim player manager Ben Mee.

Frank Lampard took a chance taking this appointment. This was maybe more promising than Norwich or anywhere else. Everton has been struggling and there is no promise on the horizon now. The last few matches proves that and the stats for Lampard isn’t looking great either.

Lampard will most likely have an Everton relegation on his CV. That is not something you want and certainly not being known for doing so either. His bringing the biggest club to the Championship in living memory. The sort of club that talked of entering European Cups and getting possibly into Champions League within a stretch. Instead it is getting relegated with a mismatch of a squad, fallen wonder-kids and a massive wage-bill. Which will deplete the possibility to get much players to ensure a quick return to the Premier League. As the Championship is a tough and brutal league. Where most of them are fighting and spending over revenue to get ahead, and get promoted as swiftly as possible.

That’s why Lampard isn’t a favourable position now and not surely going to get any better next season either. As the club is fatigued, lack of structure and overspending. In the mix of not having a direct and experienced Sporting Director or having any sort of long-term plan on the scouting or transfers.

There haven’t been a plan and each manager of late has done a lot on their own. That’s why the team is filled with players bought and preferred by the previous managers. While the ones gotten in the last transfer window by Lampard haven’t done much either. Van der Beek and Dele Ali haven’t shown much, if any at this point. They are all part of the problem and the trouble will only get much worse as the season is coming to a close.

Everton is in a relegation battle and has little to no hope. Other clubs has to possible save them. I doubt Lampard or any of this players has the greatest escape in them. Burnley seems more fit and Leeds don’t need much to graze into safety. That’s why Everton has to do it on their own. The matches of Watford and Brentford will be the vital ones, but by then… Burnley might have made it a bridge to far. Which should be the fear of Lampard.

He is now in a grim place and nearly impossible to avoid the relegation. That got to sting. He gambled and so did the Everton Directors Board… the club is losing and doing so quickly. The stats aren’t even on Lampard’s side either. That’s why….

Everton is sinking… while no one is finding the reason or trying to figure out how to save the people on deck. No, they are just hoping an act of mercy or luck will save them. This is not going well and the Merseyside derby will be gone from Premier League next season. Peace.

Opinion: Everton is in a relegation battle with a wildcard manager

The Evertonians should worry about the state of the club. They have been worried for a long time. Times has not become better with Carlo Ancelotti or Rafa Benitez. None of these managers has delivered or made changes which made the club any better. There been years since Everton had the stability of David Moyes or even results worthy of the first season of Roberto Martinez.

Everton is a big club and supposed to be a staple in the Premier League. However, the club is now on shaky grounds. They have appointed Frank Lampard in the end of January 2022 and right before the transfer window was closed. Just in the nick of time, so he could loan Van Der Beek (Manchester United) and get Dele Ali (from Tottenham). Together this trio was supposed to make a huge difference and get results.

Since then Everton has won over Brentford and Leeds at home. However, the rest of the results has been abysmal and not giving much hope. The club is trailing and only one point above the relegation. Newcastle is far off the map now. While Everton should worry about Burnley and Watford. These clubs are used to relegation battle and Everton is not.

While Watford has their own troubles and has hired Roy Hodgson, which in itself isn’t a bargain either. Yes, Hodgson built a stable and hard-working team in Crystal Palace. However, he has only a small window and a less of a stellar chance to save this one. Burnley on the other hand has bought a talented striker and know what they are in for. They have a seasoned coach and manager in Sean Dyche. So, even if they are one point behind Everton. No one should underestimate Burnley and their sudden ability to get points. We have seen that before and no one should be in shock and awe in 2022.

That’s why I have a hard time believing in Everton now. Not because I want Everton anything ill. However, their current form and the mediocre display isn’t sufficient in the times ahead. Neither is the misfits and lack of profiling of players recruited over the last few seasons. As the leftover squad players of other teams in combination with former wonder-boys are not making it a strong outing.

Lampard is a gamble and risk to hire himself. He has not a long stint as a manager anywhere. Neither did he succeed in the second second and Tuchel has galvanized the same squad after his sacking in Chelsea. Therefore, Lampard has to suddenly turn this mediocre squad into winners and he got no time.

He needs to get Calvert-Lewin energized, Rondon to become a steady force on top, Dele Ali inspired and creative again, Andros Townsend active, Fabian Delph into a wall, Seamus Coleman into a running riot and make Jordan Pickford into a superior goalie. This is just something he needs to do. Everton needs their vital players in amazing form and in great spirit.

Alas, in the last 10 matches in the league they have only one victory and one draw. The rest is losses. Also in addition to that, in the league, the club haven’t scored goals since 12^th February. That is close to a month without a goal and only conceding. The next two matches will be very important to grab, as the opponents are Wolverhampton and Newcastle at home. If there is anything to go by, these might be the last straw for the club this season.

Because after this… Everton is meeting West Ham, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Chelsea, Leicester, Brentford and Arsenal. It is not like the club has an easy ending of the season. It is meeting contenders for the top spots of the league. They are also meeting mid-level teams that can beat anyone at any given time, which is far from walkovers. The only team that is open and a team the club has won over earlier in the season is Brentford. Therefore, the final games are coming up at a rapid speed. There will be nothing easy here and Lampard has to prove his worth.

That Lampard is part of it now. He got to prove that his name is worthy. Frank Lampard has to push and ensure safety. In a battle against relegation. A battle he has never been in as a manager and neither with a squad like this either. This is why his novice ways might be useful or become it’s curse. As he don’t know what buttons or what strategies to tactically get them out of the quagmire. Its not like he knows to build a steady defence or parking the bus. He has to become a great manager and with barely enough experience. It is not his a Allerdyce or Everton’s own Mike Walker.

Everton is maybe in a similar season as 1993/1994 when the club had to fight on the last day of the league to stay up and only survived because Sheffield United lost. The great escape under the reigns of Mike Walker. Now, Frank Lampard maybe have to pull of a similar feat on the final day. If not he has to get the vital points against Brentford. Because, the Premier League is a tight race and in the relegation battle. Every point matters and the matches Everton has isn’t leaving much to chance. If there is any… the points has to be taken in the coming one and with this form. It seems hard to impossible. As the goals are not there and luck isn’t either.

When he took the job in the end of 30^th January 2022, I said Lampard had an unforgiving job. However, it has only gotten worse and lack of results is detrimental now. They are not even close to mid-level or get mid-league into safety. No, they are at the bottom and just lucky they are not into direct relegation zone. Just one point above and 11 matches to go. None of these are certain points or walkovers.

That’s why Lampard to sprinkle some magic dust and be able to inspire his recruits, misfits and outcast into world-class. I hope to see it coming. Everton going down would be a sad day for the Premier League, but that is a result of mismanagement over the years. Wild spending on wild-cards and not proper recruitment of players. Neither steady sports management or having managers who build a squad. Therefore…

Lampard now has to throw the dice and hope to get six eyes. That is his risk and his gamble. Now, we have to see how he carries this in the weeks ahead. Peace.

Opinion: Lampard has an unforgiving job at Everton

That Frank Lampard got this job is all because of his stature and his name. It is not like he has a managerial record or proof of confidence to do this. He was lucky in the role of Chelsea and did above average in Derby County. However, Lampard didn’t prove anything in his second season in Chelsea.

That’s why neither Everton or Lampard is getting a great deal. The people at Goodison Park and Toffee Blue should be worried. As they have had Ancelotti and Benitez… which have both made their purchases of players and tried to forge a way. Nevertheless, the club is getting from bad to worse. That’s why the club is so close to relegation at this point.

Everton has spent a small fortune on players, they have bought and bought players without anything to prove from it. It is a long time Martinez delivered one good season and Moyes stability at the club. These times are long gone… and Everton clearly needs stability and a plan forward.

Since, the half-assing the way forward is only brining things closer to the edge. Lampard has to be given time and at the same time… he has to secure the place and a mid-league position with ease. The expectation is huge and he has deliver.

This club is in shambles, the club is weak and the current form is abysmal. Yes, usually a new manager is able to spark a brief upswing in results. However, that will not last forever. That might save the club, which is just above relegation. Nevertheless, Everton is supposed to be more than that.

Everton last win in the League was in early December and before that the next victory was against Norwich in September. So, it is not like the moral or the players are highly motivated. The team must get inspired and get a vision to move ahead. This is just looking depressing and Lampard has to prove that his more than a legendary player turned manager.

Lampard has to save this club from relegation and do it in style. He cannot walk on water or take it easy. There will be no soft exit and if he doesn’t succeed. The sacking will be painful and the chances of another role will be dimmer.

Frank gets this shot, because other managers has dipped out. They have said “no” and “not interested”. Everton isn’t a secure place and neither is the squad filled with massive stars. The club is filled with players with some potential and with experience in the Premier League. However, these are not playmakers or one-man shows that can carry the club alone. This means, the manager have to make the collective strong and capable to beat anyone.

This means Lampard has to invest time into a system and a theory of which the players believe in and see the results of. Lampard has to sell an idea and a way to play, which shows the club a way forward and secure the present. That’s what he got to do and in no time. Since, there is no trial and shortcuts. The risk of failure and losing out, means they will be relegated and the club cannot afford that. Neither can Lampard who will have lost credibility doing so…

Lampard is taking a risk here and is here because of his name. The name will not carry him now. His not at Stamford Bridge and getting the glory. No, his at Goodison Park and has dwell in mediocrity at the moment. He has to inspire and ensure the drive forward. Which he has to do from day one … and its an unforgiving job, as the expectations are bigger than what the club can produce at this very moment. No matter who is at the helm. Peace.

Gado siste (med kort CV til Museveni, Mugabe og Biya)

Bare for å gi litt kjøtt på beine til vitsen for de som ikke kjenner de Afrikanske lederne Gado viser. Her er en kort CV til Museveni, Mugabe og Biya.

Alex Ferguson:

Posisjon – Fotball manager

Ansatt/tatt posisjonen – 6. November 1986

Går Av: Etter denne sesongen og siste kamp i Premier League vil være mot West Bromwich Albion 19.05.

Historie/Oppnådd:

13 Premier Leauge tittler.

5 FA Cup tittler.

4 League Cup tittler.

2 UEFA Champions Leauge titteler.

1 UEFA Cup winner Cup tittel.

1 Interkontinental Cup titel.

1 Verdens Cup for Klubblag tittel.

Yoweri K. Museveni:

Posisjon – President i Uganda.

Ansatt/tatt posisjonen – 29. Januar 1986.

Historie/Oppnådd:

Var med i slutten av 70-tallet med samarbeid Milton Obote og fikk avsatt Idi Amin ved hjelp av Julius Nyerere fra Tanzania inn til Uganda.

–          April 1979: Forsvarsminister i regjeringen til Yusuf Lule.

–          Juni 1979: Minister for Reginale affærer i Godfrey Binaisa

–          May 1980 – Kupp av Paulo Muwanga

–          Desember 1980: Valg – Med ny opprettet Ugandan Patriotic Movement som tapte valget og startet det som blitt kjent som Obote II regjeringen.

–          1981 – 86: Bush krig og stiftelse av NRA(National Resistance Army)

–          29. Januar 1986: Offisielt president.

–          Resistance Council startet.

–          1987 – SAP: Structual Adjustment Plan med støtte av IMF.

–          1990: Støttet første mislykkete kupp forsøk til RPF(Rwandan Patriotic Front og Paul Kagame).

–          April 1994: Støttet andre invasjon til RPF etter Habyarimana helikopter styrter.

–          April 1995: Kutter støtten til Sudan etter Omar Al-Bashir gir støtte til LRA(Lord Resistance Army)

–          Konstitusjon i 1995.

–          9. Mai 1996: 72.6% av stemmene.  Sverget inn 12. mai.

–          1996-97: Rwanda og Uganda innvaderer DRC(Democratic Republic of Congo), styrter Mobutu Sese Seko og innsetter Laurent Kabila.

–          1997: introduserer gratis grunnutdanning.

–          1998: Rwanda og Uganda innvaderer DRC for andre gang.  Insetter sønnen Joseph Kabila i 2001(og forsatt er president).

–          2001: Får 69% av stemmene og første gang Dr. Kizza Besigye og ny startet FDC(Forum Democratic Congress).

–          Juli 2005 . Konstisjonell forandring – man trengte ikke lenger å stille som kandidat for parti, men kunne skal stille individuell.

–          30 Juli: Politisk alliert i SPLA John Garang i helikopter kræsj.

–          Februar 2006: Tredje valg – andre gang hovedmotstander Dr. Kizza Besigye(FDC).

–          2007 – Sender styrker til AMISOM og AU i Somalia.

–          2011 –  Fjerde valgperiode: Valgt med 68 % av stemmene og tredje gang hovedmotstander Dr. Kizza Besigye(FDC).

Robert «Bob» Mugabe:

Posisjon –  President i Zimbabwe

Ansatt/tatt posisjon – 31. Desember 1987.

Historie Oppnådd:

Lærer i Zambia (1955-58) og i Ghana (1958-60). I politisk fangenskap i Rhodesia(Zimbabwe) fra 1964 til 1974.

–          Lancaster House Agreement: September 1979. Valg i Februar 1980.

–          4. Mars 1980: Statsminister.

–          Juni 1980: Forsvars kontrakt med Nord Korea.

–          1982 Gukurahundi: Omstilling og sendte hæren mot ZAPU’s kjerne område.

–          1987 konsoliderte ZANU og ZAPU til ZANU-PF.

–          1980-tallet: Sosialistisk økonomiske reformer.

–          1989: Sparket ministere og parti medlemmer over korrupsjon.

–          1990: Gjenvalgt.

–          1990: Structural Adjustment Plan (SAP) reformer fra IMF.

–          1994: Sparket ministere og parti medlemmer over korrupsjon.

–          1996: Gjenvalgt igjen.

–          2000: Land Omstillingsreform – Kastet ut 75k hvite bønder.

–          2000: Hyper inflasjon: 40% innflasjon.

–          2001: USA setter inn saksjoner.

–          2002: Gjenvalgt atter en gang etter massiv valgjuks.

–          2002: EU setter inn saksjoner.

–          2002: Morgan Tsvangirai (MDC – Movement for Democratic Change )tapte valgkampen men vant internasjonal presisje .

–          2002: Commonwealth suspenderer Zimbabwe.

–          2005: Parliamentsvalget blir kritisert, utbrudd av vold og rigget.

–          29. Mars 2008: Tapte først valgrunde for MDC.

–          30 Mars 2008: Hemmlig møte med sikkerhetsperson som skulle skremme folket til å velge rett.

–          2. Mai 2008: Tsvangirai 47,9% og Mugabe 43,2%.

–          27. Juni 2008: Zimbabwe Electorial Commision – Mugabe 85,5% og Tsvangirai 9,3%. Valg var kontroversielt.

–          11. September 2008: Samarbeidsregjering etter forhandlinger mellom MDC og ZANU-PF.

–          Forsatt President – Vise President Tsvangirai.

–          2010: IMF – andre året med «flytende» økonomi.

Paul Biya:

Posisjon – President i Kamerun

Ansatt/tatt posisjon – 6. November 1982.

Historie/Oppnådd:

–          1968 – Første minister post.

–          Juni 1970 – Innenriks minister.

–          30 Juni 1975 Statsminister.

–          Midten av 1980-tallet økonomisk kriser.

–          1984: Vant valget med 99,98%.

–          1988: Gjenvalgt.

–          1990: Legalisere andre politiske partier.

–          1990 – tallet: Økonomiske kriser.

–          1992: Vant valget igjen med 40%.

–          1997: Gjenvalgt med 92,6%.

–          2004: Gjenvalgt med 70,92%.

–          2011: Gjenvalgt med 77,9%.