The past few days have been full of rumours about some of the top Italian clubs pursuing Maurizio Sarri’s signature. With no one else figuring into the conversation, Frank Lampard just might be the one to replace him at Chelsea.
Understandably, the prospect of Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea as manager has many fans excited. Many more are concerned as to why Sarri needs to go, especially after achieving the goal for the season. That is a debate for another day (or never). But if nothing else, everyone should take a look at what’s happening at Manchester United with Ole Gunnar Solksjaer at the wheel and over the cliff. Chelsea should at least try to learn from others’ mistakes.
Like Solksjaer at Old Trafford, Lampard is a Chelsea legend, adored by the fans. He will instantly reunite and energize the fan base. The fans are sure to return the favor and back him. No one thought he meant it when Lampard scored against the Blues for Manchester City.
Lampard is through and through Chelsea, and will know many of the staff at the club. He can hit the ground running and will immediately command respect from the players. No one in the squad would even think about covering Lampard’s images with trophies on social media.
Lampard has played under great managers at Chelsea and elsewhere. This means two things for his prospects. First, with exposure to several management styles and tactics, he can suit and adapt his methods to the current crop of players. Second, he knows first-hand about the managerial merry-go-round and will be able to handle the added pressure that comes with this job. He has also already shown his ability to compete against Premier League clubs. Derby County defeated Manchester United and Southampton in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, respectively, albeit both on penalties.
The Chelsea players on different occasions have been found lacking in their winning mentality and determination when things go wrong. Lampard will instill the proper mentality in the team, infusing them with his competitive nature and the confidence that comes with being a serial winner.
He will also give youth a chance, as he has shown at Derby. This might eventually solve the Chelsea academy conundrum. Most of the present Chelsea youth have grown up idolizing him. They are sure to be energized and will now feel that they have a better chance and pathway to the first team.
Importantly, the board understands that Lampard – being a new manager – will need time to build his side. They know his stature at the club and his relationship with the fans and are bound to support him.
Just writing about this gives me the chills. This feels great. What could possibly go wrong?
First, Lampard is an inexperienced manager, with only one year in management and not at the highest level. Derby have performed well – perhaps over-performed – but still finished sixth in the Championship.
Bringing in Lampard under the current circumstances would not be fair to Sarri, or any manager who might have been in his position. Chelsea brought in Sarri for a purpose: to play the attractive football the club hierarchy and some fans desire. He needs time to achieve that.
Sacking Sarri despite a top-four finish and two finals would send the wrong signals to any potential manager/s. The club hierarchy would come across as unreasonable and impatient (in case anyone doesn’t already think that).
Most importantly, the fear might materialize. If things don’t go so well, Chelsea might have to sack Frank Lampard. Everyone will be gutted. The Blues can reduce this risk by not throwing him into the regular turmoil of Chelsea management with only one year’s experience in a lower tier to his name. Hence, the argument to let him build up his experience and then manage Chelsea.
Frank Lampard will surely not be a panacea for Chelsea FC’s woes. The club needs to be patient with the results, hire a technical director and set up a support structure for the manager to succeed and build an attractive brand of football. These, however, are the same things Maurizio Sarri needs.
If they bring in Lampard, they should take the necessary steps for his success. Or can they take those same steps to benefit Maurizio Sarri, knowing Lampard will always answer the call to return to Stamford Bridge.