Everton’s confused strategy has infected both their men’s and women’s teams | Karen Carney

The sides are third-bottom of their divisions after high spending, poor recruitment and managerial changes

Poor decisions at the top seep down through all levels of a club. It is no coincidence that Everton’s men’s and women’s teams are suffering from a confused strategy and underwhelming performances. The two teams sit third bottom in their respective divisions after high spending, poor recruitment and managerial changes – the women are on their third manager of the season.

Rafa Benítez was brought in before the start of the campaign to manage the men’s side but after not having the desired impact was replaced after six and a half months by Frank Lampard. The two managers have very different styles, leaving questions to be asked of the long-term strategy. The Spaniard likes his teams to be disciplined and defensively rigid, whereas at Derby and Chelsea Lampard was known for an attacking philosophy where his teams tried to outscore the opposition. At Everton Lampard has needed to adapt to the players available to him – we’ve seen them against Manchester City and Liverpool operate in a style not previously witnessed, but needs must at the business end of the season.

Continue reading...

from Football | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/apr/28/everton-confused-strategy-has-infected-mens-and-womens-teams