English Premier League club Everton have touched down in Australia ahead of the Sydney Super Cup.
The Merseyside-based team will play two games in the inaugural friendly tournament, as the English Premier League pauses for the FIFA World Cup.
In the lead-up to their opening match against Celtic, Everton manager Frank Lampard spoke at the iconic Bondi Beach.
The former Chelsea player shared how excited he is to have the opportunity to come Down Under.
MORE: Everton vs. Celtic match preview | Sydney FC stun Celtic in Sydney Super Cup opener
"(We've received) a really warm welcome," Lampard said.
"(Australia) is a place I haven't been to before but I have always wanted to come. And I'm sure it's the same for some of the players.
"It's great for us on both fronts - nice to travel here and nice to play two competitive games."
Getting started Down Under 💪 pic.twitter.com/reFECFLmdt
— Everton (@Everton) November 17, 2022
Following the departure of manager Carlo Ancelotti in 2021, Everton have endured a couple of rocky seasons.
After battling relegation in 2021/22, the Toffees currently sit in 17th spot after 15 games of the current season.
Lampard is hoping his team can use the Sydney Super Cup to reset ahead of a crucial remainder of the campaign.
"We've had good parts of the season, but in the last week or so we've had a couple of difficult results in the Premier League," he said.
"So it's important for us to come away and bond a little bit. Younger players will get opportunities while we're here.
"(Then we'll) go back (to England) refreshed to start the Premier League when it comes back."
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Everton's first match in the Sydney Super Cup will be against Scottish champions Celtic, who suffered a shock loss to Sydney FC in their opening game.
Lampard believes that the quick turnaround after their long-haul flight will give their opponents a fitness advantage, but is confident his side can put on a strong performance.
"We have to overcome the travel," he explained.
"Celtic have been here a few more days than us. So we have some challenges in the next two or three days.
"But once the game comes we have to show (Celtic) that we've got good energy, good players and want to play good football to entertain (the fans), which is part of the job.
"When you're playing a team at the level of Celtic - a Champions League team - you have to show the fans that have come to watch we're more than willing to challenge, be competitive and try and win the game."
Buy your tickets for the Sydney Super Cup here.
Everton forward Neal Maupay is also grateful to have the chance to tour with the team during the unusual mid-season break.
"We're very excited to be here," Maupay said.
"I think it's a great opportunity to be in Australia - to cover the country a bit (and) meet our fans from here (who) don't get the chance to see us, especially with the time difference.
"And we need to work and train. It's been a tough couple of weeks for us.
"So, you know, we need to get back to work and we're looking forward to these two games."
The Frenchman then echoed his manager's thoughts when it comes to resetting, affirming his belief that Everton have the ability to remain in the Premier League.
"I think when things don't go well, it's really important to stay together as a team," he said.
"And I know there's a lot of people and fans talking about us and criticising us, which is fine because the results haven't been too good lately.
"As a team, we need to trust each other ... our manager and the coaching staff. We know we've got the quality.
"So, I think it's good to be away from England for a bit to just work together, build our mobility and be ready for the second part of the season."
Everton's first match in Australia will be against Celtic on Sunday afternoon at Accor Stadium.
Frank Lampard's side will then face off against A-League Men side Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday night at CommBank Stadium.
Buy your tickets for the Sydney Super Cup here.
