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‘Quality’ player says he found it ‘really tough’ playing under Frank Lampard at Everton last season
Winger Anwar El Ghazi has opened up on his struggles during his half-season loan spell at Everton last term.
In January, Rafa Benitez loaned in the wideman from Aston Villa, hailing his āā?when the signing was announced.
That was part of the deal which saw Lucas Digne move the other way, but within days, Benitez had been sacked.
Frank Lampard replaced him and El Ghazi told the that he found it really hard to break into the Englishmanās plans at Goodison Park.
El Ghazi on Everton loan
āI had a good conversation with Rafa Benitez at Everton,ā?El Ghazi said.
āHe was playing with wingers. He said to me that he didnāt understand why I wasnāt playing at Villa and that he would love to have me with him.
āHe told me there was competition but that I would get a chance. He said he knew I could score goals. I was really excited and wanted to show myself that I could do it there because Everton is a big and great club.
āBut three days after I signed, it was unlucky because Benitez was sacked. I never had a proper opportunity at Everton and Iām not going to lie, it was a really tough period for me. Really tough.
āFrank Lampard came in and I tried to work hard and keep going and show the manager what I could do, but the system, and in his pecking orderā?I didnāt get a chance.
āBut I have a good wife. My religion keeps me strong and my family back home helped. I could switch off when I came home. I kept working hard for myself and tried to regain my focus but it was difficult.ā?/p>
Speaking on theĀ in March, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher said he could not get his head around the El Ghazi signing at all.
He said: āEverton are the worst-run club in the country. Probably one of the worst-run clubs in Europe. They have to be. Thatās not just because theyāve spent lots of money and it hasnāt worked out. Thatās happened before.
āSome of the things that Everton do, itās unbelievable. When you think of what they did in January, bringing two full-backs in then sacking the manager a week later.
āBringing El Ghazi in; what was that about? You brought El Ghazi in from Villa ā?a winger ā?Benitez brought him in on loan. I donāt even know why.ā?/p>