Frank Lampard: Why Former Chelsea Captain and Manager Deserves a Second Chance at Stamford Bridge

• Frank Lampard has been appointed interim manager at his former club Chelsea
• The former midfielder returns to Stamford Bridge on a second spell as the manager
• As the club continues the search for a permanent manager, Lampard truly deserves his re-appointment

Club legend Frank Lampard has returned to Stamford Bridge, having been appointed as the interim manager of Chelsea Football Club.

It is his second spell in charge, as he previously managed the Stamford Bridge outfit from July 2019 to January 2021, leading them to a top-four finish during the 2019-2020 season.

The new owners of the Premier League club, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, disclosed that the idea of appointing Lampard as a caretaker coach is because of his status as a club legend and EPL Hall of Famer.

A club statement said:

Mixed reactions as Lampard returns to Chelsea as caretaker manager

Football

“We are delighted to welcome Frank back to Stamford Bridge. Frank is a Premier League Hall of Famer and a legend at this club."

Why was Lampard sacked initially?

After 18 months in charge, Frank Lampard was fired by Chelsea, and Thomas Tuchel was named as a replacement.

Lampard, who remains the all-time record scorer for the club, had a good first season as the manager taking them to the FA Cup final.

He also secured Champions League qualification even though he handed debuts to some academy graduates.

However, the club, under former owner Roman Abramovich lavished over £200m on new players, but somehow, they found themselves in ninth position in the Premier League standings.

After 19 games, Chelsea were 11 points behind leaders Manchester United and five points off Liverpool in fourth.

He was fired 24 hours after their FA Cup to Luton Town as the club’s statement said:

5 managers who have returned to their former clubs as Frank Lampard nears Chelsea return

Football

“the results and performances have not met the club's expectations, leaving the club mid-table without any clear path to sustained improvement".

Possible reasons behind his return?

Frank Lampard had a fairly good reign as the Chelsea boss. He was in charge of 84 matches, winning 44 wins, 17 draws and 23 defeats, with 163 goals scored and 106 conceded.

He led the Blues to the final of the FA Cup during the 2019/2020 season. He was also named the Premier League Manager of the Month of October 2019.

Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva, Edouard Mendy and Christian Pulisic all made their Chelsea debuts under his tutelage.

Incredible achievements as a Chelsea player

Lampard has an enviable record as a Chelsea player. He spent 14 trophy-laden years with the London club, winning three Premier League titles.

He also won four FA Cups, two Football League titles, one Community Shield, a Champions League and Europa League titles.

Lampard returns to Chelsea as caretaker boss

Football

The Englishman remains the club's record scorer with 211 goals in 648 matches in all competitions. He scored 147 Premier League goals in 429 matches.

Once a Blue is always a Blue

Lampard spent the majority of his playing career with Chelsea. He moved to the club from West Ham United in 2001, having been on loan at Swansea City the previous year.

His commitment to the club was never in doubt as he received offers from clubs in England and Europe but decided to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard played pivotal roles for the club, and his dedication and desire to improve helped him become one of the greatest midfielders of all time, with admirers worldwide.

Experience at Everton

In January 2022, he was appointed manager of Everton Football Club and was in charge of 44 matches in all competitions.

Everton won just 12 of those 44 games, giving Lampard a win percentage of 27.27%. He replaced Rafa Benitez, who left the club in 16th position on the standings.

Frank Lampard joins exclusive list of coaches to manage Chelsea twice

Football

The Toffees were just four points above the relegation zone, having won one and drawn three of their last 14 matches.

Lampard managed the team, and they eventually avoided relegation, but eight months later, he was fired.

Lampard returns with 3 ex-Chelsea coaches

Sports Brief earlier reported that Frank Lampard will return to Stamford Bridge with three former Chelsea coaches following his reappointment as Blues boss.

The legendary midfielder has been named Chelsea's interim manager, replacing Graham Potter, who was sacked last Sunday.

Ashley Cole, Joe Edwards and Chris Jones, who were part of his coaching staff at Everton, have also returned to the West London club.