Frank Lampard is set to return to Chelsea as the interim boss, taking charge of the team’s training ahead of his official appointment until the end of the season. The former Blues player and manager was sacked in January 2021 but is expected to be on the touchline for Chelsea’s visit to Wolves on Saturday. Lampard qualified for the Champions League in his first full season in charge and will be joined by former Chelsea defender Ashley Cole and Joe Edwards, who worked with Lampard at Everton, in a coaching capacity.
The appointment of Lampard gives Chelsea time to conduct a thorough search for their next permanent manager. Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are believed to be the frontrunners after the club made contact with the pair. Former Spain boss Enrique arrived in London yesterday for talks and is reportedly keen on the job. However, Chelsea have several candidates in mind, including Fulham manager Marco Silva and ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Todd Boehly, who has already sacked two managers in his short reign, could take his time in selecting the next permanent manager. Other names under consideration include Eintracht Frankfurt guru Oliver Glasner, Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, and even a sensational return for Jose Mourinho, who won three Premier League titles across two spells in West London.
Lampard’s return to Chelsea has been met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike. While some see it as a positive move, given his previous success at the club, others are skeptical about his ability to turn things around after his previous stint ended in disappointment. However, Lampard’s experience as a player and manager at Chelsea could prove invaluable in guiding the team through a challenging period.
Chelsea’s recent form has been poor, with just one win in their last five Premier League games. The team currently sits in eighth place in the table, five points behind fourth-placed West Ham United. With the race for Champions League qualification heating up, Lampard will need to hit the ground running if he hopes to guide Chelsea back into Europe’s elite competition.
Despite the challenges ahead, Lampard’s return to Chelsea is a reminder of the strong bond he shares with the club and its fans. As a player, he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the Champions League, cementing his place as one of Chelsea’s greatest ever players. As a manager, he led the team to a top-four finish in his first season in charge, defying expectations and earning praise for his tactical nous and man-management skills.
Whether Lampard can replicate that success remains to be seen. However, his return to Chelsea is a sign of the club’s faith in him and his ability to lead the team through a challenging period. With his experience and passion for the club, Lampard could prove to be the perfect choice to guide Chelsea back to their former glory.