Jamie Carragher says it was the ‘right’ decision from Everton to sack Frank Lampard following their weekend defeat to West Ham United.
The former Liverpool defender added that summer signings Neal Maupay and Dwight McNeil have done ‘nothing’ since they joined the Merseyside club from Brighton and Burnley, respectively.
Whilst those two players came through the doors, Everton’s best player, Richarlison, headed for the exit and joined Tottenham Hotspur.
The Brazil international was a key figure in Lampard keeping the club in the Premier League last season, but without him, they seemed doomed.
Maupay has scored only one Premier League goal, with Lampard keeping him on the bench for the last two games, against fellow relegation rivals. The same for McNeil, who has two goals and one assist to his name.
Nonetheless, this was Carragher’s response to Lampard’s sacking, as he was critical of the summer signings, as he told Sky Sports News (23/01/23).
“The supporters wanted to change more of the boardroom level than the manager,” said Carragher. “I do feel it is the right decision.
“Frank got the job on the back of Rafa Benitez having a similar sort of run. I think if you come in and have a similar sort of run, then you can’t have too many complaints, with Everton bottom of the league with Southampton, I don’t think Frank can have too many complaints. But there are lots of things going on behind-the-scenes.
“They haven’t spent a lot of money. They lost Richarlison, who was their best player. When you look at the attacking players that have come in. Almost on his first day, he brought in Dele Alli and Van de Beek at Manchester United. They didn’t work and they weren’t really a success.
“This season, they brought Maupay in because of the injuries to Calvert-Lewin. Dwight McNeil came in from Burnley. Again, not huge fees. £20 million for McNeil and £15 million for Maupay. But they haven’t done anything. Nothing at all. The attacking players haven’t done anywhere near enough.”
BIGGER PROBLEMS THAN LAMPARD
It was the right call from Everton to sack Lampard because, with him in the dugout, they were heading to the Championship.
The Chelsea legend leaves with a 15% win percentage this season, even a newly-promoted side would sack their manager for that.
But it also shouldn’t hide the fact that there were far bigger problems at the club before Lampard arrived, whilst he was there and now that he is gone.
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