Everton: Abdoulaye Doucouré takes a swipe at Frank Lampard

Abdoulaye Doucouré finished the 2022-2023 season in blistering form, helping keep the Toffees in the Premier League. But it was not all plain sailing. In the first part of the campaign, the former Rennes man was consigned to the bench by Frank Lampard. The Mali international was clear that he could not have put up with another minute playing under the Chelsea legend. "If the previous manager had stayed a few more weeks, I would have left. It was impossible not to play for a year, but I think that with him, that was the plan", the 30-year-old admitted to The Athletic.

Abdoulaye Doucouré continued: "Even if I was training well and was fresh, I don't think he would put me in the team. It was as if he had something personal against me. I knew that if the club changed manager, I would have another chance. So I had to keep my head down, wait for my chance and it worked out well".

Lampard gone, Doucouré comes back to life

Abdoulaye Doucouré does not hide the fact that the gruelling season taught him some things. "It was a long season with lows and highs. Personally, it was a challenge, but it helped me grow and achieve more success. Since the new manager arrived, there has been a lot of hard work from everyone and we deserved to stay up. I was very close (to leaving) but I was happy to stay and help Everton". Under Lampard, Doucouré started only 2 games between August and January.

With Franck Lampard sacked in January 2023, Abdoulaye Doucouré regained his place in the starting XI. Sean Dyche started him in 13 of 15 Premier League games. And the rest speaks for itself. The Mali international scored 5 goals and provided 2 assists. He even scored the goal that secured survival on the 38th and final matchday.