Frank Lampard is poised to take command of Chelsea training today ahead of his appointment as temporary manager.
Following his dismissal in January 2021, the former Chelsea player and coach is now all set to come back to the club. According to The Times, he will be overseeing training before the club announces his hiring through the conclusion of the season.
Lampard was in the stands at Stamford Bridge for Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Liverpool and is set to be on the sidelines for Chelsea’s trip to Wolves on Saturday. Former Chelsea defenders Ashley Cole and Joe Edwards, who worked with Lampard at Everton, are both scheduled to join the coaching staff. Ashley Cole is also a legend of the club and could be the new assistant manager.
Documents are ready and all set to be signed for Frank Lampard as Chelsea caretaker manager — just waiting on club statement 🔵⏳ #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 6, 2023
Lampard will be under contract until the end of the season. Ashley Cole will be part of the coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/B9umL68f0F
Lampard, who spent 13 years as a player at Chelsea before taking over as head coach between 2019 and 2021, said he didn’t hesitate to accept the invitation to replace Graham Potter while the club hunts for a permanent replacement.
Who could be the next manager of Chelsea?
Chelsea now has time to undertake a comprehensive search for their new permanent manager, thanks to Lampard’s hiring.
After making contact with the duo, the club believes Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann are the frontrunners. Former Spain manager Enrique landed in London yesterday for discussions and is said to be interested in the post.
Chelsea, on the other hand, has numerous possibilities in mind, and Todd Boehly, who has already fired two managers in his brief tenure, may take his time. Fulham manager Marco Silva and former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are also in the running.
In addition to Eintracht Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner, Zinedine Zidane, and Brendan Rodgers are being considered. Jose Mourinho, who won three Premier League championships in two stints in West London, may possibly make a spectacular return.
What went wrong this season for the Blues?
Chelsea’s season has devolved into disorder following the firing of Graham Potter and the start of their search for their third manager since being purchased by Todd Boehly and his consortium last summer.
Potter had been under fire for some time because performances had been poor despite the current owners investing more than £550 million on new players since taking over the club last May. Just two months ago, they broke the British transfer record by signing midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £106.8 million.
The Blues are currently in 11th in the Premier League and have little chance of playing in Europe next season.
Lampard was fired by Everton in January after a year on the job, and while he said his future at Chelsea was secure, he hinted at staying beyond the summer.
Lampard will now lead Chelsea in his first game against Wolverhampton Wolves on Saturday. They will then face Real Madrid in the Champions League.
