As speculations begin to snowball about his future, we should remind ourselves of what Frank Lampard has already done for Chelsea.
I might have personally cursed Frank Lampard. Last month, I wrote an article about how Chelsea always arises from its ruins, much like the Phoenix, and that Lampard has flourished where other managers in a similar position have faltered. Those in question were Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta, both affiliated to the clubs they now control, and at that moment, were going through a mini-turmoil. The Blues and Lampard, meanwhile, were bathing in glory. Chelsea spent a small time at the top of the league, ensured a safe passage through its Champions League group and had only just come to the end of a 17-game unbeaten streak against Everton. The Blues were looking to immediately bounce back away to Wolverhampton Wanderers and spring from the ashes of that loss.
Since publishing, Manchester United has not lost a single match—moving up to second and level on points with Liverpool—whereas Arsenal, even more depressingly, has won three games on the spin, including that game at home against Chelsea. In this time, the Blues have only beaten West Ham, fallen to eighth and are only three points ahead of the Gunners. The latest installment was the 3-1 Stamford Bridge loss at the hands of a motoring Manchester City, which seemed to be the final straw for some, as Lampard’s status as Blues boss was thrown into the gauntlet. Frustrations were there for all to see, none more so than from the man himself, who admitted in his forlorn post-match interview that his side was going through a period of pain.
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As painful as being outplayed by City may at first feel, there is no shame in falling to the fate that so many have suffered since Pep Guardiola arrived on English shores. What feels like the major issue is the lack of resilience over the past few weeks. A shortage of fighting spirit, especially in that first half at the Emirates, and many believe this comes straight from the top, not from the players. This is partially true as it is the occupation of the manager to install belief, rally his troops and mentor their emotions. The players then have to transform this into results on the pitch, which hasn’t been the case for Chelsea as of late.
This is when fingers point to Lampard. How can’t he get a tune out of this richly assembled orchestra? Why are his angelic violins playing more like trombones? How can he leave his most in-form striker on the bench, whilst Kevin De Bruyne starts, and scores, as a false nine? All are acceptable queries, but perhaps we should be looking at the answers Lampard has provided since taking the reins from Maurizio Sarri over a year ago.
Firstly, optimism. Sarri got results, but his relationship with fans ultimately cost him a job, combined with the negative style of play that just didn’t seem to suit Chelsea. Lampard was presented as if he was a demi-god, ready to revamp and rejuvenate the areas Sarri had sapped the life from. He inherited a pretty average squad, turned a greater shade of mediocre following the damaging departure of Eden Hazard. He chopped, changed and carried through an alternative team, dependent on youth in the face of a transfer ban. Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount in particular have benefitted from this entrustment, the latter having virtually been handed the keys to west London as he continues to sparkle for club and country. Reece James, Billy Gilmour and to an extent, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Fikayo Tomori, have been all given the green light by Lampard, allowed to flex and flourish for free within a financially saturated sporting chasm.
Aside from promoting several of British football’s future, Lampard led Chelsea to a Champions League spot, a feat that Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Roberto Di Matteo failed to achieve at least once in their respective spells. He did so despite the interruption caused by COVID-19, and managed to make it to another FA Cup final; a domestic finale and promotion into Europe double had only previously been attained twice in the last decade.
He has beaten Tottenham Hotspur—which is always appreciated—Manchester City and Liverpool, which is never an easy task. Lampard’s also gotten the better of Manchester United, Leicester City, Everton and Arsenal at some stage. Of course, this should be expected of Chelsea’s caliber, but to do it all in one campaign is highly applaudable. Whether it was his personal pulling power or the hard cash incentive, Lampard has overseen the capture of word class individuals, who may not appear world class yet, however, have every potential of fulfilling their prophecy.
There is a grey cloud hanging over Chelsea at the minute, most of the rain falling upon Lampard’s shoulders. Whether he is allowed the chance to ride out the storm is down to the board, and their decision will be disputed either way. If he stays or goes, be sure to remind yourself what he has brought forward for the Blues.