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Lampard Reveals What Blues Must Focus On

Frank Lampard has called on his Everton side to focus on themselves and build on "a step in the right direction" ahead of Tuesday's trip to Newcastle United.

After leading the Blues to a 4-1 FA Cup fourth round victory over Brentford in his opening game in charge at Goodison Park on Saturday, Lampard's attentions now switch to the Premier League with two important encounters on the horizon.

And, while recognising the significance of clashes with Eddie Howe's Magpies at St James' Park and Leeds United on home soil four days later, Lampard says he and his players must keep calm heads with the campaign only at the midway point.

Buoyed by the attitude of his squad after taking the managerial reins, he believes the Toffees can head into important week with no fear.

"I know the passion of our fans - they want to see a team that plays in their own image, with passion, intensity and a desire to play for Everton," said Lampard at his pre-match press conference. "I think they saw that in the team [against Brentford] and reacted to it - that's what made the day so good.

"It was a great day for me personally, a great day for the team - but it's just a start. There's a lot of work to do.

"In the first week we had an impact and I say that because I think it was clear to the eye [against Brentford] - there were a lot of things that I liked.


"Watching the game back, there are certainly things that we can improve on and that's only normal. It's up to us what that looks like - how we get the message across, how the players take it on, how the confidence builds.

"We know where we want to go and the players are very aware of that - but these things do need time, so we have to get results as we work on that. 

"In terms of the style and the basics - the Brentford game was a nice step in the right direction and we'll continue in that way.

"I've seen a really hard-working, humble group, a really good group of players when we wanted to talk in week one and make an instant impact, it felt like they were really ready to listen.

"[Newcastle and Leeds] are important games but we have to stay calm because there is a long way to go. I come here with 18 league games left, so to put everything on these next two games, I think would be the wrong attitude. 

"We have to absolutely isolate them, focus on them in the right way.

"They're two strong teams. Newcastle are a strong team who have just reinforced themselves with signings and they have a passionate fanbase that can affect the game. 

"It's important for us to approach it without fear, with confidence but an understanding that it's going to be a tough game. 

"I don't want us to put too much on these games - we've got a long season to go to get to where we want to be and at this point it's about focusing on ourselves."

Lampard deployed his side in a 3-4-3 formation against the Bees, with an attacking trio of Richarlison, Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray particularly impressive.

The Blues boss has been boosted by the return to fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while January recruits Dele, Donny van de Beek and Anwar El Ghazi are all in contention to make their debuts for the Club after being Cup-tied at the weekend. 

It makes for a selection dilemma of the positive variety.

Lampard added: "Our front three were very, very mobile in their play - all offering different attributes but I loved the way all three of them were able to come between lines to receive the ball, but also force defenders back and have the idea that they want to run in behind as well.

"That was great to see. That's how I want my teams to play.

"Then, when you add in the players who either didn't start at the weekend and, obviously, Dele, Donny van de Beek and Anwar El Ghazi, we have options. 

"It's up to me to make sure we get the balance of the team right but the fans and myself want to see a team that's exciting in the way they want to play and aggressive in the way they attack - that's how I remember the great Everton teams growing up.

"That's what I'll try to deliver."