Paul Scholes admits he was ‘surprised’ by Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea but says N’Golo Kante can help the former England midfielder get the job on a permanent basis.
Lampard was named Chelsea caretaker manager until the end of the season after Graham Potter’s sacking.
Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique have all been linked with Chelsea but the Stamford Bridge hierarchy do not want to rush the decision and will wait until the summer to appoint a permanent manager.
Lampard has played down speculation he could get the gig full-time but his bosses may decide to turn to the club’s former manager if Chelsea improve their Premier League position and impress in the Champions League.
Scholes has urged Lampard to ‘take his opportunity’ at Stamford Bridge and insists he could emulate ex-Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer by earning himself a permanent contract.
‘I was a bit surprised [by Lampard’s return], especially with the way it ended at Chelsea,’ Scholes told BT Sport. ‘His Everton time didn’t go great but you can’t blame Frank, he’s got to take this opportunity.
‘There was quite a similar situation with Ole Gunner [Solskjaer]. Ole had a lot more time though to prove himself.
‘By the end of the season, they had to give it him whereas now there’s only 10 league games and the Champions League to go, but I think Frank is capable of doing it.
‘One thing that’s good for Frank is they have got N’Golo Kante back. He’s only played two games but makes a huge difference to the team. If they can get goals, Chelsea have got a chance.’
Chelsea, who were beaten 1-0 by Wolves in Lampard’s first game back in charge, face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals this week.
Former Blues midfielder Joe Cole has backed the appointment of Lampard and expects him to ‘really galvanise’ the club.
‘It makes perfect sense for me,’ he said. ‘First of all I’m disappointed for Graham Potter, he held himself in great dignity throughout his time at Chelsea – a very, very difficult job he had.
‘I always err on the side of giving managers time but once the decision was made to let him go, it made perfect sense for Frank. I’m absolutely delighted for him, he’s going to really galvanise the club.’
Lampard, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League at Chelsea, spent 18 months at the helm during his first spell in charge of the Blues from July 2019 to January 2021.
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