Abdoulaye Doucoure, the Everton midfielder, has openly condemned his former manager Frank Lampard.
Initially appointed in January 2022, Lampard managed Everton for 44 matches before his dismissal in January 2023. Moreover, Doucoure described his tenure under Lampard as his worst managerial experience, a sentiment that has sparked considerable discussion among fans.
At the outset, Doucoure enjoyed a strong rapport with Lampard. During the first six months of Lampard’s reign, he played almost every game, starting 18 times and featuring in 28 matches overall, despite missing five due to injury. However, as the new season began, the relationship between the midfielder and his manager noticeably deteriorated.
Subsequently, Doucoure did not shy away from expressing his frustration. He insisted, “I think he made a mistake with me,” and stressed that his commitment in training never wavered. In addition, he maintained that he always respected managerial decisions, even when he disagreed with them, highlighting his honest approach both on and off the pitch.
Following a home defeat against Southampton—a 2-1 loss to relegation rivals—an explosive argument erupted between Doucoure and Lampard. Consequently, the midfielder was effectively banished from the first team; Lampard even went so far as to insist he train with the Under-21s or alone. Fortunately, Doucoure responded decisively by opting to train on his own terms, a decision he stood by until Lampard’s exit.
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Moreover, Lampard’s tenure came to an abrupt end when Everton slumped into the relegation zone. His final match in charge was a 2-0 defeat to West Ham, and Doucoure found himself left on the bench. Therefore, the mounting pressure on Lampard ultimately led to his sacking just eight days shy of his one-year anniversary.
Shortly after, Everton appointed Sean Dyche as their new manager, and Doucoure’s fortunes reversed almost immediately. In Dyche’s first match, the team secured a shock 1-0 victory over Arsenal, and Doucoure was promptly recalled to the squad. Furthermore, he went on to score five goals in the remainder of the season, including a stunning winner on the final day against Bournemouth that preserved Everton’s top-flight status.
Meanwhile, Lampard continued his managerial career, albeit with mixed results. After an ill-fated caretaker spell at Chelsea in April, he took charge at Coventry City in November. There, he has overseen eight wins in 16 matches, and the club now sits within four points of the Championship play-off places, marking a contrasting trajectory to his time at Everton.
Ultimately, Doucoure’s candid account stands as a stark reminder of the importance of respect and clear communication in football management. His experience under Lampard proved to be a hard lesson that shaped his professional journey. In addition, it underscores the turbulent nature of managerial transitions at Everton, while highlighting how quickly fortunes can change on and off the pitch.
