Chelsea: Lampard better than predecessors given circumstances

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has already been to hell and back during his year in charge, but he’s weathered the storm better than his predecessors could.

Frank Lampard can be considered one of Chelsea’s greatest managers in recent memory already. While it may sound silly, it’s not just because he achieved top four in his first season with a transfer ban and a poorly drilled squad; but mainly because he developed players that will become leaders at the club. Furthermore, the influence he has from his playing days has already brought world class signings to the club in his first transfer window. Here is how Lampard’s legacy has already somewhat surpassed that of his predecessors in such a trying time:

1. Lampard vs. Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho will always be “The Special One” at Chelsea as he is arguably Chelsea’s best ever manager. He achieved almost everything at the club and engraved a winning mentality; his pragmatism and mentality to always win—and never lose—made him an iconic figure.

However, Mourinho could never do what Lampard has done. First, Mourinho likes to overhaul his teams with key players that will help him win titles. If The Special One would have inherited this team with a transfer ban, Chelsea wouldn’t have achieved top four and most player would be unhappy with the tactics of the manager.

Although Mourinho sporadically played young players, he wouldn’t have taken the chance, nor the time, to develop a young squad such as the present one. Mourinho preferred seasoned players, those whom he could trust in terms of mentality and physical attributes. But he made that the strength of his teams, thus only creating a winning team in the short term. The perfect example for this would be Tammy Abraham, who became one of the best goal scorers this season. Mourinho wouldn’t have given him the opportunity to succeed as much as he did this campaign.

Further, Mourinho was often quick to point fingers. This mental game seemed to work back in the day as it allowed deflecting responsibility from the player and, often from himself. Thus, taking the pressure off his team, any poor performances and any poor tactics implemented. If that did not work, he often criticized the club for not backing him in the transfer window.

Lampard learned from all of this and has now surpassed the mental games of his former coach. The Chelsea legend has worked with players that had little to no experience in the Premier League and allowed them to express themselves while still playing the football he wants. So much so that these players are now considered to be stars, making an impact in almost every game. Lampard molded his players and pushed them to be better in their own way, thus utilizing their potential, strengths and building for the future.

Where he has really excelled as a manager is placing responsibility on himself and the players, establishing accountability on all levels. Lampard doesn’t hide behind the curtains of another party’s performances. He knows that placing blame where it’s due puts pressure on the players to perform better. After all, who better to tell youngsters what they did wrong than a man who achieved everything for the club from a young age.