Chelsea legend Frank Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as caretaker head coach until the end of the campaign – but things have not gone well for him so far.
The 44-year-old has become the first Chelsea manager to lose their first four games with Lampard having thrown away his chances of becoming the permanent coach ahead of next season.
Chelsea have held discussions with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann regarding the managerial position at the club, with the latter emerging as ‘favourite’ ahead of the former Barcelona and Spain manager.
Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern Munich just last month, with Thomas Tuchel replacing him at the Allianz Arena.
According to reports, the German coach is a serious contender to take the hot seat at Stamford Bridge but Todd Boehly will not rush the process of appointing a new manager.
Boehly may have made a brilliant move – despite the results on the pitch not reflecting that – by bringing Lampard back to the London club.
Lampard conceded that his return to the Blues was a ‘no brainer’ for him after Graham Potter was dismissed, and he could play a key role at the club going forward if rewarded for his loyalty.
The 44-year-old has a reputation for having an eye for talent and being able to identify targets and pursue them vigorously.
Lampard handed Mason Mount and Reece James their debuts at Chelsea and both have become key players for the club. The former Everton boss also identified Declan Rice as a major transfer target and he remains on the Blues’ radar to this day.
Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell were signed under his management, with Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy both being influential characters that have been the victims of their surroundings recently.
With the London side in a tough position at present, Lampard has hinted that he knows what the club need to do to get back on track.
The interim manager has questioned some of the players’ fitness, the desire to fight for the club and his knowledge upstairs in terms of mood and what is needed will help them towards a better recruitment and a better future.
Another reason to offer Lampard a new role, potentially as a director of football, would help bridge the gap between the squad and the higher figures at Stamford Bridge.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are known for their visits to the dressing room after football matches as they try to be as hands-on as possible.
This may not be the best with some players reported to be confused by the approach, while having Lampard play that role instead could be a better tactic.
A well-informed messenger between the squad and co-owners could be an right role for the 44-year-old, with owners entering the dressing room on matchdays doing more harm than good as it stands.
This season has not been a good one with Boehly clearing house in terms of managers and staff, bringing in some new faces.
The lack of a constant is a huge negative that needs to be addressed – and Lampard seems like a ready-made candidate to do so.
By giving him a permanent role within the club, it would stabilise some areas around the playing squad while benefitting the club in other key departments.
