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It has been suggested that Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital could appoint Frank Lampard as interim manager at the club for the remainder of the season.
Lampard was present at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to watch the Blues and Liverpool play out a scoreless draw in the first game since Graham Potter’s departure.
After the dismissal of the former Brighton manager on Sunday, his former assistant Bruno Saltor assumed first-team responsibilities for the evening and is expected to remain in the position until a permanent replacement is found.
Nevertheless, according to The Sun, Chelsea may instead turn back to former manager and player Lampard, who was fired as Everton manager this year.
Lampard Could Make Chelsea Return
According to reports, Boehly could bring Lampard back to the club to serve as interim manager for the balance of the season.
Lampard’s last stint with Chelsea ended in January 2021 when he was fired as manager following a home thrashing by Manchester City. In the club’s statement breaking the news, it was alleged that “results and performances” had fallen short of expectations.
“Results and performances have not met the club’s expectations,” it read. “Leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement.”
In his first season as head coach, Lampard led Chelsea to a top-four finish and the FA Cup final despite returning during a transfer ban and being unable to enhance his squad.
The legendary Chelsea and England midfielder paid the price for a terrible run of five league defeats in eight games after being provided with a variety of new acquisitions in his second signing.
Chelsea Back to Square One After Potter Dismissal
The club is now in a similar position as to when he departed, which supporters may find ironic. Shortly after Lampard’s expulsion, Thomas Tuchel replaced him at Stamford Bridge and went on to win the Champions League in his first half-season.
With Potter’s sides plagued by a lack of clinical edge and inability to put teams away, Chelsea fans endured more of the same on Tuesday night as their plethora of forwards squandered an abundance of good opportunities.
The home crowd believed they had gained a deserved lead in the second period, but Kai Havertz’s ricocheted shot was disallowed for handball.
After the game, Saltor stated that it had been “tough” for him to enjoy his first taste of senior management.
“It’s been a really difficult 48 hours for everyone because it’s not the first time the players have been in this situation this season and they have suffered,” he said.
“As a player you invest a lot in the manager. They had a great relationship with Graham and he has been really supportive with them after leaving,” Saltor added.
“It was truly difficult for me to enjoy tonight. It’s been a really sad time but I’ve just been trying to focus on being the best version of myself to help the boys.”
Asked whether he expected to stay or not, Saltor said he was taking it “hour by hour.”
“As it stands I just expect to go home to rest and focus on hour by hour, day by day,” he said.
“The owner knows the staff are going to be as professional as we can. We try to represent this club the best we can. We know the standards here and what is demanded.”
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