Everton’s humiliating loss to Minnesota United has Frank Lampard already talking relegation

Some preseason losses are more painful than others

There have been some predictable results over the past few days amid the annual tradition of European clubs fanning out across the U.S. to face MLS clubs during their preseason.

Barcelona beat Inter Miami 6-0. Bayern Munich defeated D.C. United 6-2. Arsenal beat Orlando City 3-1.

But not every game has gone according to script. Charlotte FC managed a 1-1 draw against Chelsea. And, incredibly, Minnesota United laid a 4-0 beating on Everton Wednesday night.

Everton manager Frank Lampard, who narrowly led his team to an escape from relegation last season, was understandably not pleased to see his side humbled by an MLS team in such a fashion.

“The players in the dressing room need to understand that they’ve put in a very poor performance individually and collectively,” he said after the game.

Such was the standard of his team’s display, Lampard was even ready to invoke the possibility of another relegation battle in 2022-23.

“The players have to work and understand we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season,” he said. “We had an amazing night (securing their Premier League status against Crystal Palace) and an amazing run, but as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly, so the players have to put it to bed as well, because we were in that fight for a reason. And if we don’t want to be in that situation again, they have to be better and I have to be better.”

Everton lost its star Richarlison this summer, after the Brazilian joined Tottenham in a £60 million deal. The club has not yet brought in a replacement, which is causing a “void” according to Lampard.

“There is no doubt about it. When you think of where we were last year, we have lost a big player in Richarlison…we wish him well, but our club now continues,” Lampard said.

“We know there is a void in forward areas, we are short in numbers there. Also, through the team, there are things I want to strengthen, and I can be honest about that, because a club like Everton has to have a competitive squad.”

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