Frank Lampard is embracing the “fight and challenge” of hauling Everton clear of trouble at the foot of the Premier League table.

Everton are preparing for a crucial five days, with Sunday’s visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers followed by a home game against Newcastle United on Thursday.

Lampard, who has won three of four home fixtures as manager, is expecting another partisan Goodison Park atmosphere to give his team “energy and legs” this weekend.

But responsibility for setting a positive tone, insists Lampard, falls at the feet of his players, who “really care for this club” – and are keen to atone for Monday’s defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

Asked if he had a message for Evertonians, Lampard, speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, said: “I am ready for the fight and challenge and nothing coming here could surprise me.

“The fans will see that [fight] in the way we approach the game and perform on Sunday.

“I remain optimistic and confident about the team because I have belief in them, but the reality is we need results.

“We need to show the character and fight to stay in the league, as a base, and perform at a level to win games.”

Lampard oversaw invigorating displays in his opening two Goodison fixtures, a 4-1 FA Cup success against Brentford, followed by a first win in the Premier League for the new boss when Leeds United were overwhelmed 3-0.

There was a tremendously encouraging performance in the meeting with champions Manchester City, too, in addition to another Cup win, over Boreham Wood.

In Wolves, however, Everton couldn’t ask for many tougher visitors. Manager Bruno Lage’s team boast the Premier League’s fourth best away record – behind only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea – and trail only the same three teams for fewest top-flight goals conceded.

“It has been a big pleasure of the job so far to experience Goodison, not just the support for myself; it gives the team energy and legs,” said Lampard.

“We talk about mentality and personality, and clearly it’s given us a boost compared to our away form.

“We can’t rely on it [fervent backing], but it will be there because of what this club means to the fans.

“They know they can be such a push and drive for us.

“Wolves have consistency in the way they play and their idea of recruitment, consistency through the club, and a high level of player.

“Put together that formula and it brings something positive.

“It is a tough match for us and we need the help of the fans.

“They will turn up and understand their importance. We are very thankful for that and need to deliver for them.”

Lampard cited Anthony Gordon, the young Academy graduate forward, as “far and away our best player” on a disappointing night at Tottenham.

And as long as Everton’s form outside L4 remains an issue, it is a topic Lampard has to confront every time he faces the media.

The 43-year-old, once more, found a delicate balance between forthright and measured in his verdict.

Watching the rerun made for “uncomfortable viewing”, admitted Lampard, while resisting any idea of an overreaction.

“Honesty is the only way [to fix issues], you have to be very candid with the players and they should want that,” said Lampard.

“Nobody likes what happened on Monday night.

“You shouldn’t overreact but we have to do our professional job and look at what went wrong, then work on the training ground to put it right.

“A big part of the job is the football element but another huge part is how you get players to feel, [creating a positive] atmosphere and environment.

“When you are winning, you don’t have to think about it – but it can be affected when results are not good.

“As a staff, you have to try to inject confidence, to show clarity in what you are doing and let the players feel you are there to support them.

“The players need support, they are all trying to do their best for this club and make sure we stay up.

“Trying to enhance their own careers, for sure, but they have a really big care for this club, I can see that.

“So, it is tapping into that in the right way and that will, hopefully, help with the right results.”

Lampard welcomes back “big players” Ben Godfrey and Demarai Gray for the Wolves clash, while Dele is “fit and ready to start”.

Selection for the weekend, and the meeting with Newcastle, said Lampard, will be determined by “playing and training levels and how they are handling a tough situation".

“We have 13 league games remaining,” added Lampard, “we can’t get caught up in the end picture and have to focus on what is in front of us.

“A couple of wins can change the face of the table.”