Frank Lampard believes Everton can improve quickly in fight for survival

Frank Lampard recognises he is facing an immediate battle for Premier League survival after taking over as Everton manager.

The former Chelsea boss returned to the game as Rafael Benitez’s successor at Goodison Park earlier this week.

The Merseyside club may have bold ambitions – with work on a new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock under way – but Lampard admits his first priority is to avoid relegation.

"I have been very impressed with the players, but the next steps are the results."Watch live: https://t.co/9iVCC0Yf9e pic.twitter.com/gGZ45460mu

— Everton (@Everton) February 3, 2022

Everton have endured a miserable season to date and have slipped to 16th in the table, just four points above the bottom three, having won just one of their last 14 league games.

Speaking at his first press conference in the job, Lampard said: “In pure footballing terms we know we are in a position the club doesn’t want to be in, but I have got a lot of belief in the squad.

“I have been watching the games closely from the outside, so I am under no illusions, but I believe we have a squad that can improve quickly.

“I understand in the short term the job is to improve our league position.

“In the long term, it is clear it is a club with big ambition, big history, a huge fanbase and a desire throughout to improve towards the new stadium and towards being a Premier League club fighting in the top half of the table.

“I would love to be part of that, but I cannot get too far ahead of myself. We have important jobs on our plate in the next two, three months. Then we can start dealing with what the future looks like.

“There is a lot of work to be done, but I am very proud to be given this opportunity to be at the front of it as the manager.”

The