Frank Lampard: “Dream would be to manage Chelsea one day”

Frank Lampard is showing little sign of slowing down at New York City FC, but has an eye on the future. The Chelsea great hopes to come home and manage at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer rumours and managerial turmoil constantly surround Stamford Bridge. But one move would receive unanimous applause: bringing Frank Lampard back to Chelsea. The Blues’ all-time leading scorer hopes to manage his former club once his playing days are done.

Speaking with Sky Sports, Lampard said:

As a Chelsea man or not, the job is one of the pinnacles of football, they are one of the top clubs in the world now… It might be a different route for me and might take a while but the dream would be to manage Chelsea one day. – Metro

Lampard noted the difficulty of working on his coaching badges while still playing. Once he retires he will still need a few more years to complete his coaching education.

Lampard may face competition for a spot on Chelsea’s management staff from two of his former teammates. John Terry and Ashley Cole have also expressed their desire to return to Chelsea as managers.

The trio’s return would further perpetuate the legacy and legend of Chelsea’s golden generation. Lampard, Terry and Cole were the core of the Chelsea squads that amassed an unprecedented amount of silverware. Beyond their contributions to Chelsea’s trophy case, they can leave a decades-long imprint on the club by working with future generations of Blues.

Many of Chelsea’s current stars play for themselves more than the shirt. Lampard, Cole and Terry remind fans and players what it means to be part of Chelsea Football Club.

Their history on the pitch coupled with their desire to return can motivate current players to emulate their example. If players do not embrace those values, the trio will move them out to make room for someone who will.

Chelsea is increasingly under fire from players, former coaches and commentators for the loan and player development policy. These three offer a vision of a long career at Stamford Bridge. Jay DaSilva, Mason Mount and Charlie Colkett will be much more confident in their development at Chelsea knowing that someone like Terry or Lampard are looking out for them.

Frank Lampard is one of the smartest players in English football history (like, Mensa smart – seriously). He understands the game like few others, and has the absolute respect of his peers. Once he completes the formality of his coaching badges he will become a top developer of young talent and successful clubs. Let’s hope he is doing so at Chelsea.