Frank Lampard says Evertonians’ vocal and inspiring support has further strengthened his belief he has joined a “special club” – and insists his team must mirror the fans’ energy on the field in Saturday’s meeting with Leeds United at Goodison Park.

Lampard’s reign got off to an exhilarating start last weekend as Everton beat Brentford 4-1 in an FA Cup fourth-round tie at a buoyant Goodison. The Blues performed with desire, bravery and attacking intent throughout the contest as they swept aside the west London outfit.

Everton suffered a setback with defeat at Newcastle United three days later and will now aim to return to winning ways against Leeds.

A supporters’ social media campaign urging Evertonians to bring banners and flags to Goodison on Saturday to whip up the atmosphere has gathered pace over the past week.

And speaking at his pre-match press conference, Lampard insisted he and his players will “give everything” to repay the fans’ backing.

“We should never take that support for granted,” he said.  “I know what that will do for the players and that’s what makes this such a special club. 

“I already knew that form afar but, in the two weeks I’ve been here, I’ve found out how much the fans support us and how much Everton is their lives and their passion. 

“The players have to replicate that in their performances. They have to play with energy and, if we work together [players and fans] in that sense, we will be so much stronger. 

“I appreciate that support so much and it is up to us now to do our side of the job.”

Everton Academy graduate Anthony Gordon has swiftly emerged as a fans’ favourite this season, with his electric forward displays matched by a relentless work-ethic.

Lampard revealed he has been “hugely impressed” with the 20-year-old and paid tribute to Gordon’s application and hunger to learn in training. 

“Watching from afar [before joining Everton], I thought Anthony looked like a very talented young player,” he said. 

“He clearly has a strong connection with the fans and the Club, which is always a plus. The supporters want to see young players come through, local lads, and it means so much to both sides. 

“From working with him, he is a really good lad. He wants to train every day and do his best. He wants to engage with you and then, of course, he has this really good talent. I think he is a top young player.

“I don’t want to put too much on his shoulders because there is development still to be had. He’ll be wanting to add extra goals and assists, as well as more awareness of how he can work for us off the ball. But all those things are there, it’s just a case of trying to improve them.

“And when you see a player that is so engaging like he is, then that’s what makes you enjoy coming to work every day. I’m very happy with Anthony and he’ll get better and better.”

While admitting the Newcastle defeat was a blow, Lampard says he has been encouraged by the squad’s unified hunger to “dig in for the football club”. 

He is convinced the Blues boast the quality and mentality to improve results and climb the Premier League table. 

“The mood is really good,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been after the Newcastle game or in the morning after, but that’s something you have to overcome. 

“I couldn’t ask for any more from the players in terms of how they are training, taking on board what we are trying to do, and how the atmosphere is at Finch Farm and in the dressing room before games.

“We want to build that connection between staff and players in training every day, by having conversations and making sure the collective spirit is as good as it can be. 

“It’s important the players have confidence in our relationships and how we are working on the training ground. Hopefully, that will come through in performances and results.”

Everton go into Saturday’s match knowing victory would take them to with one point of Leeds. The Toffees also have a game in hand on Marcelo Bielsa’s team.

On the test the west Yorkshire side will provide, Lampard said: “I have complete respect for Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa. They are a relatively unique team in their style. 

“Their physical output and energy are way above anyone else in the league, which is something I admire. 

“Their movement and attacking play are really good, too. We have to understand that, but also believe in our own strengths. 

“We have a talented squad and the lads will be prepared in terms of what Leeds will bring.

“With the Goodison crowd behind us and with a real desire to get a result, we will back ourselves.

“The attitude of the players has been spot on. I believe in us.”

See below for further key points from the manager’s press conference….

Lampard on why Dele and Donny van de Beek will benefit from minutes at Newcastle…

"I thought they both did okay in the game. With Dele, I thought there were flashes of the Dele as we know him, and a few moments he’ll be disappointed with. We had two injuries in the first half and that affected the hand I had with the subs. I didn’t want to give Dele so many minutes in his first appearance. He handled the game well physically and he’ll be better for that performance. It’s a work in progress and he wants to be a big player for us going forward.

"With Donny, he came on at a difficult time and I think he showed some really nice bits of midfield play and his comfort on the ball. He’s shown that in training as well. I'm pleased that first game is both out of the way for them and they’ll be better for it."

On what Anwar El Ghazi can offer Everton…

"He is a talented player. I know that from going up against him as a coach. He plays in a position where we do have personnel in, in wide areas. All the players in those areas will have to be aware of that and try to impact games, whether from the start or as a substitute. They will be slightly under pressure – but that’s a good pressure. 

"Anwar has a slightly different skillset to the other players we have. He is very good one-v-one. It’s my first time working closely with him hopefully he can have an impact for us."

On Nathan Patterson’s bright future….

"I’ve been impressed with Nathan. My duty is to make sure we develop young players and find the right time for them to play. So far, in my two games, that hasn’t happened for Nathan – but I am very pleased to work with him. 

"At the moment, the captain of the Club, Seamus Coleman, has been so impressive since I have come here and has been for a long time at the Club. Nathan needs to work and continue developing. The Club have signed Nathan for the future as well as now. Myself and my staff will work closely with Nathan and, when he gets his opportunity, I just want to see him take it."