Frank Lampard is not the only Chelsea legend returning to Stamford Bridge this pre-season, with Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele the latest confirmed appointments in the reshuffle at the club.
Lampard was appointed as the new Chelsea manager on Thursday after previous boss Maurizio Sarri left to join Juventus earlier this summer window.
Not only has there been a change in management but also a massive alteration of the backroom staff, with Lampard bringing a couple of former Blues back with him to the club.
Jody Morris and Chris Jones were expected to join Lampard from Derby, while Petr Cech had already been confirmed as technical and performance adviser, but now Drogba and Makelele are back as well.
‘Didier, Petr and Makelele,’ explained Lampard at a press conference. ‘What I want to do is bring in people not just because they played for the club but because they feel the club and want to be here with incredible work ethic.
‘Jody Morris is coming with me as assistant head coach. We have a close relationship. He has a great link with the academy, who were successful. We have a huge loyalty. Chris Jones as well, he will be with me as a coach. We know each other very well.’
Drogba, who scored 164 goals in 381 Chelsea matches, is expected to join Lampard’s coaching staff while Makelele, who played 217 times for the club, is going to oversee the club’s loan players.
‘Joe Edwards will move upwards from the U23s and he is fantastic on the training ground,’ continued Lampard. ‘Eddie Newton will be working with us as well.
‘It’s a very Chelsea orientated team, we’re not to be an old boys’ club. I might have one year, but we have many years between us. We have a desire to be successful with this club.’
Lampard has signed a three-year deal as Chelsea head coach and will begin work immediately with his first pre-season match in charge of the club next Wednesday against Bohemians.
Ahead of Lampard’s appointment, Makelele said: ‘For me, it’s good the ex-legends come back to the club. I hope so.
‘I’m sure he wants to give everything for Chelsea. So, of course, I’m happy for this idea of the club to bring back a legend. He’s ready. He knows what is needed to bring success to the club.
‘Frank is someone who is very professional, he focuses on details, focuses about the love he gives for Chelsea.
‘I’m sure he will be a great manager for Chelsea.’
