Eddie Howe has claimed that Frank Lampard is an ‘outstanding’ manager ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash against Everton on Tuesday evening, as he told talkSPORT.
The Newcastle boss added that the Toffees are now in a ‘good place’ following their change of manager.
It has been a number of weeks since Farhad Moshiri ended the ill-fated reign of Rafa Benitez on Merseyside.
Whilst the Spanish coach was Mr Popular at St James’ Park, he just wasn’t welcome at Goodison and he will go down as one of the club’s worst-ever managers.
This is what Howe had to say about the man that has replaced him in the dugout ahead of tonight’s meeting.
“Every opposition is tough in the Premier League,” said Howe. “We have seen that in our short period of time here.
“Everton, no doubt, are in a good place with the change of manager. But the managers don’t play. We just watch and prepare the team. We have to be confident in how we have prepared.
“We have to fully respect Frank. I think he is an outstanding manager. I think he has a great backroom staff behind him and I am in no doubt that he will do a great job.”
Everton will feel that they aren’t in a Premier League relegation battle – and with their four-point lead on 18th-placed Newcastle and game in hand, they have every right to think that way.
But if they suffer defeat in the north east, then that will result in them having to look over their shoulder.
Even then, the Toffees, should be fine, especially given that they now have a manager in charge who the fans have warmed to.
Plus, after missing large parts of the season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is starting to get warmed up after his return from injury and it won’t be too long before he proves why he is an England international.
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