Frank Lampard claimed the Chelsea job remains a fantastic opportunity for the new manager – despite the huge problems at the crisis club.
Lampard's ill-fated short-term second spell as Chelsea boss comes to an end with Sunday's game against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge. With eight defeats and a solitary win in 10 games, Lampard's second coming at Chelsea did not work out the way he intended.
The Blues are 12th in the Premier League after 16 defeats, with the new boss – set to be Mauricio Pochettino – facing a huge task to turn them around.
Asked if the new Chelsea boss is facing the toughest task in two decades at the club, Lampard said: “It’s a good headline, but I don’t know. It remains to be seen, I can’t jump into the future. I think it's a fantastic job, because it is the Chelsea job.
"When I took it the first time I came, I probably got it because a lot of top managers didn’t want that - I know that for a fact. But I enjoyed the process, I enjoyed coming in and I wish the new manager well. I don’t know. It’s his problem, I guess.”
A smiling Lampard then jokingly added: “Is that the headline you wanted?!” Lampard said tomorrow's game will not feel like a goodbye to Chelsea fans, given his enduring association with the club as a former player and manager.
“I don’t want this to sound corny, but I don’t feel like it's a goodbye,” said Lampard. “I appreciate it, it will be the end of the season and the end of my time back, but normally when you leave a club, you don’t have a hurrah as a manager.
“You're in one day, out the next and that’s fine. This is the corny part - I will never feel like I'm saying goodbye to the fans.
“My career as a player, as a coach the first time around, and this period, is there. I live close enough to the stadium and I'll be back at Chelsea many times.
“When you take on a managerial career, it doesn’t mean you'll be at a club you had 13 years at as a player forever. I’m quite calm about it and not too nostalgic about it, but certainly do appreciate the fans support on Sunday.
“More than anything, I would love to give them a performance to take away for the summer and feel a bit more positive about, for sure.”
Reece James will miss Chelsea's final game of the season through injury, while Mason Mount is struggling to be passed fit to play.
