Chelsea have finally appointed one of Chelsea’s greatest ever as manager. Although expectations are low in some areas and high in others, comparing Lampard to the long list of predecessors is a mistake.
Frank Lampard will finally hold the position he longed for: Chelsea’s head coach. Super Frank will face the uphill battle to make Chelsea a winning team with a transfer ban in place. No manager has accomplished anything like this, and anything other than success will probably see him sacked. But in the balance is a legacy that only he can create.
Lampard is one of a kind in Chelsea’s history. He can be compared to other players, but should not be compared to the other managers. In fact, it is not fair to the legacy that other managers have left within the club because Lampard’s challenge is unlike what anyone has faced: more demanding, more pressure and overwhelming emotions.
Frank Lampard has two main objectives this season. The first is to win silverware. The second to utilize the youth to develop a dynasty to for years to come.
The first is arguably the less difficult of the two since even the EFL Cup will suffice.
Winning any trophy in 2019/20 will have Lampard in the hall of fame at Chelsea. Just imagine: Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge with his hands tied behind his back and still manages to outperform England’s best in at least one competition.
But even if he ends the season trophyless, making it to the Champions League quarterfinals will be a worthwhile accomplishment. And since it is Lampard, that will be enough momentum for the next season.
The second objective, building a dynasty from within, is by far the most demanding. Lampard will be given two seasons to achieve the rebuild of Chelsea. With no funds at his disposal for the first year, his only choice is to use the youth – something no other manager has properly achieved.
Considering the circumstances, Frank Lampard is the only one who can. Lampard is a club legend and any youngster coming through the ranks will be ecstatic to work with him. After all, it is a dream come true: one of the players you idolized since you were a child, the highest goal scorer for the club, one who has won absolutely everything with Chelsea, is now the one in charge. No greater motivation exists for a young player.
Other managers have used the youth, but only as a back-up or last resort. In this case, Lampard will now have the responsibility to use the young players on a weekly basis to create the competitive edge within the squad. Where some of the seasoned players have become accustomed to playing regardless of their poor form, Frank Lampard will put pressure on those players and take away their security.
Having players like Mason Mount, Ethan Amapadu, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi will be motivation for everyone that their jobs are not safe because of a few good performances in past seasons. Players hungry for minutes will give the required performances. Everyone will be on their toes or on the bench.
No other manager in Chelsea’s history has done what Lampard is about to do. Therefore, he should not be mentioned alongside any other name. Lampard will now stand in a glorified pedestal of his own. The brave man who took his dream job under impossible circumstances, brought Chelsea together as one voice once more and gave the club life for the next 10 years.
His name will stand in a different category and his achievements will make him as much a legend as a manager as a player.