Phil Jagielka has warned there is no magic fix as former club Everton fight for their Premier League lives.
One point from their last five games left Frank Lampard’s side in the drop zone before losing 3-1 at Manchester United in the FA Cup on Friday.
Jagielka, who is still playing in the Championship for Stoke at the age of 40, sees relegation as a ‘genuine possibility’ for a club where he spent 12 years up to 2019.
‘I was hoping that last season Everton got their struggles out of their system with surviving (relegation),’ said the ex-England man.
‘Unfortunately, they haven’t got any momentum. They’ve struggled to keep clean sheets and struggled to score.
‘The Premier League is a tough place to play and if I could put my finger on it, I’d be ringing up Frank now and giving him the magic answer, but unfortunately, it’s never that simple.
‘Everton have just got to get their heads down and grind it out.’
Jagielka is ready for an emotional return to Sheffield United, where he has had two spells, on Saturday.
‘It will be strange returning to Sheffield United beyond the age of 40,’ he said. ‘It’s a tough game but I didn’t imagine returning for another game there, obviously I wanted to keep playing for as long as I could. My contract’s been extended until the end of the season which will allow me to be available for the game at Bramall Lane. Anytime I’ve been able to play there, it has been a fantastic occasion.’
Phil Jagielka was speaking on behalf of Sky Bet.
MORE : Dalot Dalot says he is responsible for David de Gea’s calamitous error in Manchester United’s win over Everton
MORE : ‘My future is not under my control’ – Frank Lampard in danger of Everton sacking after yet another defeat
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