Everton manager Frank Lampard has told his players that “they have to be better, and I have to be better” if they are to avoid relegation this season.
Lampard was speaking following his team’s 4-0 loss to Minnesota United during their pre-season tour in the United States.
Everton secured Premier League survival last season with a win over Crystal Palace in their final game.
“The players have to understand that we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season,” said Lampard.
“We had an amazing night [against Palace] and an amazing run which was great historically for the club but, as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly so the players better put it to bed as well.
“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, I have to be better.”
“Lots to think about, lots of work to do,” said Lampard. “What matters is where we are at in two and a half weeks.
“If there is to be good to come out of this, the players and the dressing room have to understand that they have just put in a very poor performance individually and collectively and been well beaten.”
Everton’s loss to Major League Soccer club Minnesota United lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the first game of their US tour.
They play at Blackpool and host Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv in more pre-season games before beginning their league campaign on August 6 at home against Chelsea.
Lampard continued “there is a void in forward areas”, while “through the team, there are things that I want to strengthen”.
He added: “The lads have trained well out here. They have trained hard as they should do but that performance should give them a real something to think about on the plane home because it has certainly given me something to think about.”
This summer, Everton sold winger Richarlison and signed defender James Tarkowski on a free transfer after his contract with Burnley expired.