Frank Lampard’s Everton side managed to get a win over Celtic on penalties, after the match was a 0-0 draw over the 90 minutes of action. The Hoops were the better team on the day though, dominating not only possession but also creating several chances, while the Merseyside club had to be content on playing on the counter-attack, something that was not ideal for them in a friendly.
Everton have been going through a rough time in recent years and currently sit just a point above the relegation zone. Thus, Lampard has a battle on his hands to keep them up in the Premier League, something that he barely managed to do in the previous campaign but in thrilling fashion.
Before Everton, Lampard was the manager of Chelsea, the club he established himself as a legend for during his playing days. And he has revealed that he tried to sign Joe Hart for the Blues back then.
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Lampard said in his post-match press conference on Everton’s official YouTube channel:
"“When I was at Chelsea I wanted to bring Hart in as a number two as such at the time because I was sure that his professionalism, and quality as a player would rub off on the group.“So, I understand why he’s done so well at Celtic, top class goalkeeper, and a top class lad, so I’m really pleased to see him do well.”"
Lampard had tried to sign Celtic star when he was Chelsea boss
Hart was not at Celtic back when Lampard was the manager of Chelsea. Instead, the English keeper was trying to find his way back into the starting XI of a club.
He spent time at Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur but to no avail, as it had looked like time had passed Hart by and his time as a starter was over.
Then came the opportunity to go to Celtic in the summer of 2021, and Hart took it, and it has proven to be one of the best things that he could have done for his career.
On the other hand, Celtic have gotten themselves not only a first-choice goalkeeper but a leader as well, after the disaster that was the 2020/21 campaign.