John Terry has wished Frank Lampard well despite being overlooked for a coaching role in the new Chelsea interim manager’s backroom team.
After a whirlwind 48 hours, Lampard’s return was confirmed on Thursday afternoon and the 44-year-old immediately set about the task of restoring the feelgood factor to Stamford Bridge.
Lampard, whose previous 18-month spell at the helm was ended in ruthless fashion by Roman Abramovich just over two years ago, was in buoyant mood yesterday as he navigated his first press conference before taking training ahead of Saturday’s game against Wolves.
The club’s record goalscorer will be in charge for the remaining games of the current campaign following the departure of Graham Potter and is set to work alongside several familiar faces with Ashely Cole, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones all returning to the west London club.
Lampard refused to confirm the make-up of his support staff yesterday, but it appears there will be no place for his former teammate and great friend, despite Terry already employed by the club as a part-time youth team coach.
Despite the snub, Terry displayed his public backing for Lampard by writing ‘good luck mate’ in response to Chelsea’s tweet announcing the appointment.
Lampard, meanwhile, is ready to play a part in the ‘collaborative’ vision for Chelsea’s future held by the club’s owners as he prepares to lead the team through the final weeks of the season.
Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League and, despite spending more than £500million since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium took control in May, have scored fewer goals than any side in the division’s top half.
This week the club opened talks with ex-Spain boss Luis Enrique, who arrived in London on Wednesday, about becoming Potter’s permanent replacement, with Julian Nagelsmann, who left Bayern Munich in March, also under consideration.
Chelsea have made it clear that they intend to conduct a thorough search for their next manager after hurriedly appointing the former Brighton boss in September just 24 hours after the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
Despite the turmoil that has rocked the club during a disappointing season, Lampard said that he has observed plenty within the owners’ plans for the club to convince him they are suitable custodians.
‘From conversations I’ve had with the people running the club now, they’ve all been very positive,’ said Lampard. ‘I’m very experienced now in working at different clubs. You get an understanding of what you feel like is a club that has a vision and wants to move forward.
‘Of course, it’s about people at that point. Good people working in the right direction, collaborating and talking, trying to find the right way. That’s the sense I’ve had in coming here. I’m ready to play my part in that process.’
MORE : Frank Lampard gives verdict on Todd Boehly after returning to Chelsea as interim manager
MORE : Chelsea set to battle Tottenham for out of favour Brighton star Robert Sanchez
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
