Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he feels sorry for Frank Lampard after being sacked by Everton and is sure that the Chelsea legend will return management.
Lampard lost his job on Monday with the Toffees sat second-bottom of the Premier League table, having taken over at Goodison Park 12 months ago and mounting a survival charge. Despite their previous touchline spat, Klopp commended his now former opposite number for his initial good work and felt Lampard was dealt a difficult hand on the blue half of Merseyside, noting the £60million sale of star player Richarlison this past summer.
"I feel for Frank. He tried everything. It was not easy for him last year ands he did well," the Liverpool manager remarked on Friday, with Everton now set to appoint ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche as Lampard's replacement. "Losing Richarlison and we know how much decision injuries can affect them. Frank will come back. He's still a young coach and everything is ahead of him."
Klopp's men will welcome Everton to Anfield in just over a fortnight's time for a Merseyside derby which both teams sorely need something from. While the Toffees remain stuck in the relegation zone at the halfway stage of the season, Liverpool are outside of the European places after a wretched start to their own campaign.
Dyche being in the away dugout could present Klopp with a tough challenge, having been the manager to end the Reds' 68-match unbeaten run at home while in charge of Burnley. As for Lampard, the 44-year-old finds himself out of work again after also being axed by his beloved Chelsea in January 2021.
Lampard's departure from Goodison was confirmed on Monday evening and after the dust settled, he took to social media to send a touching message to the Everton family. "Coming in to Everton last year I knew we were in a tough moment and I will always be proud of the incredible work and support from everyone involved to keep the team in the Premier League last season," the former England star wrote on Instagram.
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"Thanks to everybody that played their part as the whole club came together. I will never forget the incredible night against Palace that we shared. I want to thank all Evertonians for the welcome that you gave to myself, my staff, and my family. It truly is a special club with a huge heart, and an incredible history. I'm disappointed that we couldn't achieve more together and wish all the players and everyone at Everton FC the very best for the future."
As the Toffees are without an FA Cup fixture this weekend, Goodison chiefs have been in London holding talks with candidates to succeed Lampard. Having been sacked by Leeds United last February, Marcelo Bielsa was interested in the job but Mirror Football understands he didn't want to take charge of a club halfway through a season for the first time in his long and distinguished career.
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