Everton board make U-turn as Lampard is invited for ‘second’ interview

Joe Williams
Frank Lampard is a contender for the Everton job

Everton have decided to invite Frank Lampard back for a second interview after Vitor Pereira’s outburst on Sky Sports, according to reports.

Pereira has been heavily linked to the vacant managerial position at Goodison Park and admitted on Sky Sports last night that he is hurt by fan opposition to his potential appointment but that it has not put him off wanting the job.

The club’s search for a seventh permanent boss in six years took a bizarre twist when the Portuguese, who has emerged as owner Farhad Moshiri’s preferred option, appeared on live television to discuss his credentials.

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Pereira has already had two interviews with Moshiri but said he did not know what the outcome was and the “decision was the club’s”.

Reports the former Porto and Fenerbahce coach was edging closer to replacing Rafael Benitez – whose appointment as an ex-Liverpool boss created even greater discontent – led to the message ‘Pereira out, Lampard in’ being painted on a wall at Goodison Park, a reference to previous Chelsea boss Lampard who has also been on the interview shortlist.

Asked whether the graffiti hurt him, he told Sky Sports News: “Of course. This is the first time in my career I have seen this kind of thing, I’ve never had these comments about me.

“I think these critics are not directed at me. It is the environment now as the club is not in a good position and the supporters are passionate – and this passion is the power of the club.

“They don’t know me, my work or me as a person or my CV. I don’t take it as a personal attack. I work in a lot of countries, different clubs, at different levels, and we got several titles but before you start work you don’t know the person and you cannot judge.

“But I understand the feelings of the supporters because, in the last few years, the club didn’t get good results and it is normal they are not happy.”

A report from Daily Mirror journalist David Maddock yesterday insisted that Lampard had been ‘ruled out’ after a ‘second interview’.

However, the Daily Telegraph now claim that he has only now been called back for a ‘second’ interview following Pereira’s ‘outburst’ on Wednesday evening.

It is understood that Lampard ‘will hold talks with the Everton hierarchy later on Thursday and remains under serious consideration to land the job at Goodison Park.’

 

Everton Frank Lampard

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