We’re now approaching the two-month mark on Chelsea’s horrific run of form. Many pundits and supporters have chimed in during this skid, trying to offer advice as to what Frank Lampard should do in order to get his Blues back on track. While only the manager truly knows what the team needs—or so we hope—many suggestions have been offered up, including changing personnel, formations and working on the basics. Lampard simplified training recently, but the 2-0 defeat at the King Power Stadium showed just how impactful that practice proved to be.
The Blues are nearing the point of no return and the top four is looking more and more unattainable as time ticks on. Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the fact the players are in their own heads at this point. There has been so much chatter about superstars not nailing the basics, Chelsea going on unprecedentedly bad runs of form and Lampard’s job security that it’s all the Blues are surrounded with nowadays. Chelsea needs to simplify its mentality—as opposed to tactics or approach—in order to get over this slump.
It’s important to discuss the approach before dissecting the reasons for a mindset shift. First and foremost, Lampard needs to settle down and prove to everyone he can be the calm presence on the touchline that he was during his career. His job being on the line is the worst kept secret in football and since he knew he’d be under pressure from day one, it’s time he laces up his boots and brings some consistency to the squad.
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Lampard shouldn’t stray from the XI that largely got the Blues through the unbeaten run (Edouard Mendy; Reece James, Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell; N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount; Hakim Ziyech, Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner). As you’ve probably guessed by viewing that list of players, Chelsea needs to stick with the 4-3-3. This is the formation that flipped a switch for the Blues early on in the season and going in another direction would complicate things further. Often in times of crisis, consistency is needed, so staying true to what the team already knows can help Chelsea get back to winning ways sooner rather than later.
Now that’s settled, it’s time to dive into the mentality of the Blues.
While it may not seem as if there is much passion left in the squad, I can assure you that couldn’t be further from the truth. Empty stadiums can be deflating for all involved parties, but you need look no further than Tammy Abraham’s first senior goal celebration last season or the recent shifts put in by Mason Mount to see this team adores Lampard. This isn’t exclusive to academy products though. Lampard has close, positive relationships with many senior players, including Cesar Azpilicueta, Mateo Kovacic and Antonio Rudiger—and those are just the documented ones. He was also a major factor in bringing all of the new transfers to Stamford Bridge. All of this goes to show that while the football may be stale and the results non-existent at the moment, the Blues are fighting for the badge and right now—more importantly—their manager.
A lot has been said about the future of the managerial position at Chelsea as Lampard is undoubtedly walking on thin ice at the moment. The speculation eventually clouds the minds of those around Cobham and as much as people want to deny it, the thought of Lampard getting sacked is in the back of the players’ minds. Although seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of things, the uninspired 1-0 win at Fulham was a huge relief for many of the players, including the goalscorer, Mount. Ignore the so-called fans on social media, the players and true supporters want Lampard to remain in charge. The sacking speculation makes a poor spell even more dreary.
Nobody wants to be responsible for getting a mentor fired, should it come to that. Therefore, it’s only human nature that the Blues try to produce a bit of magic or prevent themselves from taking huge risks, in hopes those things will break the losing spell. This over-complication results in what we’ve witnessed over the last few weeks on the pitch. Chelsea looks sloppy in possession and the team needs a complete change in mindset.
The same can also be said for the struggling new signings. Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have been heavily criticized for their failures to impress early on. Adding to those struggles is Hakim Ziyech, who has one goal contribution since November.
A change in mentality, specifically one of a relaxing nature, will help ease the pressure around SW6. The Blues have seemingly tried everything else at this point, so why not tune out all of the noise and focus on the task at hand? It could just have a season-changing impact during a season full of stress. Lampard has preached getting back to the basics and taking things one game at a time, but words are empty without action. As a unit, Chelsea looks both physically and mentally fatigued. A shift in mentality would go a long way in allowing the Blues to make it through the remainder of the campaign.
What do you think Chelsea needs to change in order to get back to winning ways? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!