Lampard: ‘Returning to Chelsea was an easy decision’
Frank Lampard has suggested that he had no hesitation when it came to accepting an offer to become Chelsea caretaker manager.
Four days on from the sacking of Graham Potter, the Blues hierarchy have decided to hand the reins to former boss Lampard on a deal until the end of the season.
While the 44-year-old was only sacked as Everton manager just over two months ago, Lampard as a strong affinity to Chelsea as a player and boss.
The former England star netted 211 goals from 648 appearances before hanging up his boots, while he took charge of 84 matches between July 2019 and January 2021.
Immediately after the club’s announcement, Lampard was due in front of the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
However, Lampard was naturally quizzed on the overall decision-making process and pull of his former club, and he admitted that he did not require long to accept the proposal from the West Londoners.
Lampard told reporters, as quoted by football.london: “Easy decision for me, this is my club. I’m also a very practical person. I’ve been on a different path since I left Chelsea but to come back when I’ve been asked and come back with a belief I can help until the end of the season.
“Delighted to get the opportunity and I’m thankful. I’ve a good understanding of the squad, the training ground, the stadium and the fans and I’ll do my best.”
Lampard is tasked with trying to get Chelsea back into the top seven of the Premier League table to secure European football, or win the Champions League, with Chelsea facing defending champions Real Madrid.
Commenting on the size of the challenge ahead of him, Lampard added: “It’s a big challenge, but aren’t they all. Everything is a challenge, we see how the Premier League is.
“I’m ready to put my work into this challenge in front of me. I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve in this period.
“I don’t think football can surprise you. It’s such a competitive league. It’s my position to find the right energy, the right results to move ourselves in the right direction. We are where we are. There’s a lot of talent in this squad.”
Chelsea will continue to assess longer-term alternatives to Potter with Luis Enrique the first candidate to hold formal discussions in London on Wednesday.
