Everton boss Frank Lampard warns team about relegation battle after 4-0 friendly loss

Frank Lampard was speaking after his side's 4-0 defeat by Minnesota United on their pre-season tour in the United States.

Everton secured Premier League safety last season with a win against Crystal Palace in their penultimate game.

"The players have to understand that we were in a relegation battle for a big portion of last season," said Frank Lampard to BBC.

"We had an amazing night and an amazing run which was great historically for the club but, as soon as that finished, I put it to bed very quickly so the players better put it to bed as well.

"We were in that fight for a reason and, if we don't want to be in that situation again, they have to be better, I have to be better."

Everton's defeat by Major League Soccer side Minnesota United followed a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the first game of their US tour.

They play at Blackpool and host Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv in further pre-season games before starting their league campaign at home to Chelsea on 6 August.

Lots to think about, lots of work to do," said Lampard. "What matters is where we are at in two and a half weeks.

"If there is to be good to come out of this, the players and the dressing room have to understand that they have just put in a very poor performance individually and collectively and been well beaten."

Everton have sold winger Richarlison this summer and signed defender James Tarkowski on a free transfer after his contract with Burnley expired.

Frank Lampard says "there is a void in forward areas", while "through the team, there are things that I want to strengthen".

He added: "The lads have trained well out here. They have trained hard as they should do but that performance should give them a real something to think about on the plane home because it has certainly given me something to think about."