Frank Lampard has called on his Everton team to show bravery on the ball as the Blues aim to ignite their Premier League season with victory over Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference at Finch Farm, Lampard explained the Club are “working to improve the squad in any way we can” in the transfer market and addressed speculation linking Anthony Gordon and Dele with moves away from Merseyside.
Everton will take on a Forest outfit who have signed 16 players this summer and Lampard is expecting a stern challenge against Steve Cooper’s side.
The Blues boss expressed the importance of Everton asserting their authority in the game.
Lampard said: “Nottingham Forest have invested heavily in their squad and have got lots of talent.
“They’re hard to analyse because of that [the new players] and they have a very good coach. We obviously have an idea of the way they play, and certain characteristics they show regardless of personnel.
“We’ll respect them, but it’s game to focus a lot on ourselves. At Goodison, I’m confident in what we do and confident we’ll have the fans behind us.
“The mood is good in the squad. We had Conor Coady and Amadou Onana coming in after the Chelsea game, so we’re in an early transitional period.
“We’re trying to evolve our game but, at the same time, we have to have a sense of where we are. We showed spirit and character [at the end of last season]. Now we want to develop a little, but it’s a building process. We have to maintain that spirit and try to be a bit braver on the ball in certain situations.
“There have been some good signs [in the opening two matches] and we’ll only get better the more we work.”
Asked about reports Chelsea are interested in signing Everton Academy graduate Gordon, Lampard said: “He’s an Everton player. I don’t want to answer hypothetical questions.
“Firstly, he’s got huge value to the team for me. We saw that in his progress last season and felt that on the pitch. He’s a massive player in the squad.
“He’s a huge, valuable asset for the Club, one we have actually developed ourselves, so there is a link to the fans and a link to the Club.
“He is in the squad for tomorrow [against Forest]. Any chats I’ve had with him will remain private. He is our player, it’s as simple as that.”
On Dele, Lampard said: “There is interest in Dele. It’s one for us behind the scenes to consider and obviously Dele has to consider that, too. For him to go would have to be the right situation for everyone.”
Lampard refused to be drawn on whether former Blues midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye could return to Everton from Paris St Germain, but set out the Club's aim to bolster the squad before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
Pressed specifically on whether Everton could add a striker to their ranks, he said: "Firstly, we’ve got one of England’s main centre-forwards in our squad, who unfortunately got injured three days before the Chelsea game.
“Nobody saw the Dominic Calvert-Lewin injury coming. He’s back out on the grass and he is going to be fit again [in the coming weeks]
“We have Salomon Rondon who was suspended for the first game but is now available. It’s an area of the pitch we do want to strengthen, and we need to make sure it’s the right player.
“I know everyone’s eyes are on that position. We have got two weeks left in window. We’re trying to improve the squad in any way we can.”
Lampard also revealed the positive impact midfield talent Onana has made at Finch Farm since completing his move from Lille last week.
Onana made an encouraging substitute appearance at Aston Villa last week, impressing with his skill, power and dribbling ability.
The Blues boss added he is still evaluating whether the 21-year-old is ready to start the Forest game.
“He’s settled in very quickly, he’s a very good teammate,” Lampard said.
“He’s a real big presence. He gives off a very good energy every day in training with his voice, for a young player. He’s a smart boy.
“I think he’s going to be a big player for us, but we have to be patient.”
