Everton could change system after confirmed news – expert
Everton could permanently switch to a back five over the international break to plug their leaky defence.
That is the view of former Premier League striker and current South Shields manager Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the defensive dilemma facing Frank Lampard.
The Toffees crashed out of the FA Cup after a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Pack on Sunday.
Speaking to club media shortly after (20 March), Lampard lamented his side conceding “average goals” and called on his players to take responsibility.
The Blues adopted a back five for the trip to London, having played a back four against Newcastle United on Thursday.
Phillips suggested a permanent tactical switch could be made ahead of Everton’s next Premier League fixture against West Ham on 3 April.
“It is very difficult trying to get that balance,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“Clearly their confidence is shot. They got thumped by Palace.
“What do you do? Do you stick to your guns and your principles or do you abandon them, adapt and get bodies behind the ball? Lampard could make them very compact, put bodies behind the ball and try and work off a clean sheet.
“Personally, I would go down that route. That could be sticking with a five at the back. That way they have a solid base to play from.
“Confidence is a huge thing though. You could have four, five or eight at the back but when players are low on confidence they make bad decisions. Everton are in a rut.”
In other news, it can be revealed the Everton board are ‘frightened to death’ of ‘severe’ punishment from the Premier League.