Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has broken his silence on his turbulent time under former manager Frank Lampard, revealing how their relationship soured and led to his banishment from the first team.

In a candid interview, Doucoure described his experience with Lampard as his “worst with a manager” and accused the former Chelsea star of disrespecting him.

A Promising Start That Quickly Turned Sour

When Lampard took charge of Everton in January 2022, he initially relied on Doucoure as a key player.

The Mali international started almost every game during the first six months of Lampard’s tenure and was instrumental in helping the Toffees secure their Premier League status.

However, as the following season began, things took a drastic turn.

According to Doucoure, he suddenly found himself out of favor, left on the bench for extended periods without explanation.

“I think he made a mistake with me, to be honest,” Doucoure shared. “I am a hardworking guy and a humble person.

I work hard in training, and I never contest a manager’s decision. But sometimes you have to be fair, and I don’t think he was fair with me.”

A Heated Argument That Changed Everything

Doucoure confirmed that tensions came to a head after Everton’s 2-1 loss to Southampton in January 2023.

Frustrated by his lack of playing time, he confronted Lampard in what he described as a “big argument.”

The conversation did not go well, and the next day, he was told he was no longer welcome to train with the first team.

“He said I disrespected him in front of the other players, and he told me I had to train with the Under-21s or alone.

I chose to train alone because I know how to take care of myself,” Doucoure recalled.

“Luckily, it didn’t last long because he was sacked a week later.”

From Exile to Redemption Under Sean Dyche

Lampard’s dismissal came after a 2-0 defeat to West Ham, and with his departure, Doucoure’s fortunes changed.

New manager Sean Dyche immediately reinstated him, starting him in his first game in charge—a shock 1-0 win over Arsenal.

Doucoure went on to become a crucial player in Dyche’s setup, scoring five goals in the remainder of the season, including the decisive strike against Bournemouth on the final day that ensured Everton’s survival.

Lampard’s Career Moves Post-Everton

Following his Everton exit, Lampard returned to Chelsea as a caretaker manager but endured a difficult spell.

In November, he was appointed head coach of Coventry City, where he has since guided the club to eight wins in 16 matches, putting them within reach of the Championship play-off spots.

For Doucoure, the Everton chapter under Lampard was a tough lesson, but one that ultimately saw him emerge stronger.

“Everton was a big lesson—for me and for him,” he concluded.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn