Frank Lampard announced his retirement from playing football yesterday. Preparations for his coaching career were well underway even as the tributes continued to pour in.
The football world showed their appreciation and respect for Chelsea legend Frank Lampard upon his retirement yesterday. John Terry wrote a lengthy heart-felt Instagram post. Former teammates like Fernando Torres and Petr Cech joined former opponents like Steven Gerrard in congratulating Lampard on his laundry list of achievements.
Having left New York City FC several months ago, Chelsea’s goal-scoring genius* is probably at the end of his tether for how much time he can be idle. He said repeatedly in the final years of his playing career that he planned to coach – hopefully at Chelsea – after retiring. Now that his playing days are over, he is on to the next phase.
The Football Association said yesterday that Lampard will have full use of the facilities at St. George’s Park to complete his coaching certifications. This could facilitate Lampard taking his first coaching post within the English national system before working at a club.
Dan Ashworth, the FA’s technical director, is taking a personal role in shepherding along Lampard’s progress. Ashworth undoubtedly wants Lampard’s experience and mentorship around all levels of the England side as the Three Lions rebuild under Gareth Southgate. Lampard’s accomplishments and gravitas as a member of the “Golden Generation” will be particularly important as England seeks to change its culture after the Euro 2016 and Sam Allardyce debacles.
If Lampard takes a post with the national team he will reunite with soon-to-be ex-Chelsea assistant coach Steve Holland. Holland will join the national team full-time at the end of this season to be Southgate’s right hand man. The trio of Southgate, Holland and Lampard is nearly a dream line-up for building the national teams of the future.
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Chelsea may have to wait a few years before welcoming Lampard back to Stamford Bridge. By that time the rest of his generation of Blues may be finding their way back as well. Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and (obviously) John Terry have all expressed desire to someday return.