Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi has called for supporters to 'stick by' Frank Lampard amid the club's bitterly disappointing start to the current season.
The Blues have secured just three Premier League victories since the return of the top flight in August and were beaten 4-1 by Bournemouth to exit the Carabao Cup at the third round stage at the start of last month, heaping pressure on Lampard's position at the club.
Appointed in January of this year, the ex-Chelsea boss galvanised Goodison Park as Everton avoided relegation courtesy of a dramatic comeback win at the expense of Crystal Palace. Supporters who were present inside the ground for this match hoped there would be no repeat of a relegation fight this term, but the Blues currently sit one place above the drop as the halfway stage of the season approaches.
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Adamant that Lampard is still the correct figure to steady the ship, Iwob i believes fans must continue to back the 44-year-old to get the best out of the first-team.
"Of course," responded the Nigeria international when asked if he understands the frustrations of supporters. "The club is very ambitious and we want to achieve something. That's what we want to do - we owe it to them and to ourselves.
Iwobi added: "I say stick by him [Lampard] because, not just me, the players do appreciate what he is doing and what he is doing for the club. He is a hard-working man, who is putting his job first - maybe before his family! He does work very hard and is an understanding man, so stick by him."
During what has been an underwhelming season to date, one positive has been the form of Iwobi. Flourishing in a midfield role with a greater sense of freedom, the 26-year-old has admitted his ability to appreciate the culture of the club has aided his upturn in form.
"I've had some mad experiences as an Everton player but for them to stick by me and give me the praise I've been getting, I really appreciate it," he told Sky Sports. "Maybe it was just a confidence thing and being able to express myself. Embracing the Everton culture was a bit difficult for me, but now I feel like I am one of them and I'm at home now.
"I didn't expect it [the size of the club], especially towards the end of last season. The fans played a big part in us staying up. They were coming to our training ground with flares and trying to motivate us for each game. I didn't understand why it was called 'The People's Club' until last season, and I see the affect they have on the team."
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