Frank Lampard insisted he would 'just keep working' after a damaging defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion left him answering questions about his future.
Everton conceded three goals in six second half minutes as they were torn apart by the visitors to the backdrop of dissent against the club's board from the Goodison Park stands. The result was the Blues' third home defeat in a row and means Everton start the year precariously placed above the relegation zone and with the threat of another survival fight becoming increasingly real.
The chants of disapproval after the game disappeared from Everton's clutches were predominantly aimed at the club board rather than Lampard, who it is widely acknowledged has taken on a host of problems caused before his arrival on Merseyside. Lampard said he cannot control speculation surrounding his future and his focus was now on preparing for the FA Cup tie with Manchester United.
VERDICT: Everton board can't ignore Goodison Park as angry home fans make feelings clear
RATINGS: Everton player ratings as Idrissa Gueye and three others dreadful in sorry mess against Brighton
After Everton slumped to a 4-1 defeat to Brighton, Lampard was asked whether he felt any concern about his position. He responded: "You are working always, the only concern you can have is the work you do the next day because since the minute I got here we were in a relegation battle and that is something that you have to handle and it might mean results or days like this and you just have to focus on going again because it is the things you can control, simple as that."
Everton next travel to Manchester - just days after a spirited draw against Man City had sparked hope of an improvement on the pitch in 2023. On Friday they will head to Old Trafford in the FA Cup third round. Lampard pointed to that as his next focus.
Lampard, who led the Blues to survival last season, said: "Since I have been in here we have been in this situation, of a relegation battle last year and through this season really, so it's not a case of fear [for the future], it's a case of just keep working.
"I can't control the talk or the decisions, when you around this area of the table this is what happens. You lose a game like this, I absolutely understand any reaction. I don't listen to too much of it because if you do it becomes your focal point, so I don't focus on it."
READ NEXT:
