UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
After sacking Graham Potter at the start of April, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly made the decision to appoint Frank Lampard as the club’s interim manager until the end of the season. The appointment of Lampard seemed to come out of nowhere but it was one that perhaps makes sense given that it allows Boehly more time to find a long-term successor for Potter.
In recent weeks, speculation around Lampard’s appointment has grown. One of the wildest rumours revolves around television presenter, James Corden, and his potential role in landing Lampard the job at Stamford Bridge.
According to a report in the Sun, Boehly had sought advice from his good friend Corden, who was pictured watching a match with the Chelsea owner at Stamford Bridge last year, about who he should appoint as the club’s next manager. Corden reportedly urged his friend to consider appointing Lampard, whom Corden knows via the television quiz show, A League of Their Own.
The rumour was put to Lampard ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid tonight and the ex-Everton boss responded in a bullish manner:
“I saw the headline of James Corden and I am absolutely unaware if it’s true or not. It’s obviously a great headline to put together casually from the outside.
When I look at the success of Todd Boehly and the owners of Chelsea Football Club I think you have to respect that success and respect the idea that they’ll make decisions based on more than a conversation with one person. So that’s as much as I’ll give that question.”
Todd Boehly reportedly listened to advice from James Corden before appointing Frank Lampard as Chelsea's interim manager 🔵
After yesterday's defeat to Wolves, Chelsea are now closer to 20th place Southampton than they are to 4th place Man United 😬 pic.twitter.com/hWNcEzLoal
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) April 9, 2023
Looking ahead
Whether Corden did play a part in Lampard’s temporary appointment at Stamford Bridge or not isn’t going to be a major concern for the 44-year-old as he looks to navigate the final eight weeks of the season.
Chelsea are in a miserable position in the Premier League table and the chances of the club qualifying for European football next season are virtually non-existent. It means that their only meaningful games left this season will be played in the Champions League with the first leg of their quarter-final against Real Madrid taking place tonight.
The task at hand is huge for Lampard but he has been backed by Real Madrid boss, Carlo Ancelotti, who managed the Chelsea legend between 2009-2011 when he was the man in the Stamford Bridge dugout. While the praise is appreciated, Lampard’s focus will firmly be on finding a way to beat his former boss over the next two weeks.
History to repeat itself?
If Lampard can get Chelsea through to the semi-finals of the competition then Chelsea fans will begin to dream about a third Champions League triumph. The first time they won it was in 2012 when Roberto di Matteo led the club to glory after taking over as an interim manager halfway through the season.
That year, the Blues also had a poor league campaign which is making many people draw comparisons between that season and this one. If Chelsea do achieve the unthinkable and win the Champions League this year then Lampard will surely see his temporary contract become a permanent one ahead of next season.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
