Frank Lampard: Why Chelsea Hiring Legend on Interim Basis Makes Sense As Nagelsmann, Enrique Talks Continue

• Frank Lampard is set to return to Stamford Bridge as caretaker manager until the end of the season
• Chelsea are still in enhanced talks with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique as permanent solutions
• Lampard did not fare well in the second season of his first stint and this could be his chance at redemption

Chelsea's abnormal season is set to take yet another turn, with Frank Lampard reportedly on course to be appointed as the caretaker manager until the end of the season.

The Blues legend is bound to make an astonishing comeback to a job he was sacked from two years ago, months after being relieved of his duties by a relegation-threatened Everton.

At face value, it doesn't make sense why the West London club would move for a manager who struggled to keep up with the pressure during his last days at the helm. Moreso with a crunch Champions League tie against Real Madrid coming up.

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Lampard might have been the best midfielder of his generation, but he has failed to get it going in the top echelons of football management.

However, upon careful consideration, the hiring of Lampard on a short-term basis until the end of the season seems like the only plausible and realistic option the Chelsea board has.

Time to get it right

Talks have been rife that the Chelsea top hierarchy is keen on either Julian Nagelsmann or Luis Enrique taking over on a permanent basis. Mauricio Pochettino's name has also been floated with a couple of wild cards, as Jose Mourinho and Tite mentioned as well.

By hiring Lampard, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are giving themselves breathing space to make sane decisions. The immediate hiring of Graham Potter was a rushed process, and the new ownership would hate to make another costly mistake.

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'Unchanged' squad

It would be important to get a long-term manager who walks in with a full pre-season in his tank and without having to deal with the baggage of Potter's mistakes.

Chelsea might have spent heavily in recent transfer windows, but Lampard will walk into a dressing room with many familiar faces. He won't necessarily need a preseason to hit the ground running. The transition should be seamless as they attempt to salvage what is remaining of their, sorry to say, pathetic season.

Mason Mount contract

The return of the former England international could also be a masterstroke in convincing Mason Mount to agree to new terms at the club. Say what you want about Mount's form this season but it would be foolish for Chelsea to allow him to leave. His 'dad' could help ease the contract negotiations.

Sports Brief has previously given a concise breakdown of why Chelsea should hold on to the 24-year-old at all costs.

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Sadly enough for Lampard, his time at Chelsea would always be judged by his last days before Thomas Tuchel took over and immediately won the Champions League. But those with long memories will remember that the three-time Premier League winner steered the club through uncharted territory during a transfer ban.

Lampard has overseen a difficult period before

At that time, Chelsea had lost arguably the best player in their history in Eden Hazard and had been banned from bringing in new recruits. Lampard relied on young players and managed to qualify for the Champions League and reach the FA Cup final, which they lost to Arsenal.

This time around, he will have a plethora of stars at his disposal keen on impressing before a huge summer clear out. Asking him to finish in the top four will be overreaching but all Chelsea need is a semblance of tranquillity before a permanent manager takes over in the summer.

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Talking of tranquillity, Chelsea fans have never forgotten Lampard's services despite how things ended in 2021. His return could rally the fans behind the team in the remaining games. And if Todd Boehly happens to bump into this story, he should throw John Terry in there as well.

Two captains back at the Bridge could be the key to a strong ending. And who knows, they could crown a fairytale run to Champions League triumph.