Doucouré Slams Frank Lampard for ‘Disrespectful’ and ‘Unfair’ Treatment at Everton
Abdoulaye Doucouré has not held back in his criticism of former Everton boss Frank Lampard, calling his time under the manager the "worst experience with a coach" in his career. Speaking on The Overlap Breakdown Podcast , the Mali international opened up about what he saw as unfair treatment and a complete breakdown in communication during Lampard's tenure at Goodison Park.
Doucouré recalled how he initially had a strong relationship with Lampard, playing regularly in the first six months of his reign. However, things took a sharp turn at the start of the following season when he suddenly found himself sidelined. The midfielder expressed frustration over being left out of the squad without explanation, feeling that Lampard had shown him a lack of respect.
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"I am a hardworking and humble guy," Doucouré stated. "I never challenge a manager’s choices, but at least you have to be fair. I don’t think he was fair with me. He stopped playing me, left me on the bench for no reason, and gave me no explanation. That really upset me."
Tensions escalated after a 2-1 home defeat to Southampton in January 2023, when Doucouré and Lampard had a heated argument. The midfielder claims he was then banished from first-team training and told to work alone or with the Under-21s.
"After the game, we had a big argument. I told him the truth because I am honest, and he didn’t like it," Doucouré revealed. "The next day, I was told I couldn’t stay with the team. He felt disrespected, so I was forced to train alone. But I knew how to take care of myself. Thankfully, he was sacked a week later."
Lampard's tenure ended shortly after, with Everton deep in relegation trouble. Under new boss Sean Dyche, Doucouré was immediately reinstated into the squad, playing a key role in the club’s survival. He went on to score five crucial goals, including the winner on the final day against Bournemouth, securing Everton's Premier League status.
Since leaving Everton, Lampard’s managerial career has had its ups and downs. A brief return to Chelsea as caretaker boss ended in disappointment, and he now finds himself managing Coventry City in the Championship. However, for Doucouré, his time under Lampard remains a bitter memory—one that he considers the lowest point of his career.
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