Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is enduring a difficult return to Stamford Bridge. The 44-year-old came in as caretaker manager until the end of the season and given the four defeats in his first four games in charge, it does not look likely that he will stay on in a permanent role.
football.london understands Julian Nagelsmann is a serious contender to become Graham Potter's successor but the process of appointing a new manager will not be rushed. The former Bayern Munich boss has held talks with the Blues regarding the vacant managerial position and is said to have 'impressed' with his ideas and long-term strategy.
Luis Enrique is among the candidates being considered but Chelsea have 'concerns' about the Spaniard after he made a number of demands during initial talks about taking the hot seat at Stamford Bridge. Mauricio Pochettino is another manager on the Blues' shortlist with reports suggesting the former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain boss has been contacted by the west Londoners.
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Despite all the focus in recent months being on Chelsea's astronomical transfer expenditure with Todd Boehly having spent over £600million on new signings in the last two transfer windows - a decision made by Lampard during his first stint as manager at Stamford Bridge could benefit the club's next manager an enormous amount.
The 44-year-old brought veteran defender Thiago Silva to west London and the Brazil international has been a crucial figure in the changing room and on the pitch since his arrival. Silva became the first player to speak out against Chelsea's transfer strategy under Boehly, insisting something has to change ahead of next season.
“I think the first step has been made, an incorrect step, but it has been made. We can’t be blaming the managers if we don’t take responsibility," Silva told TNT Sports.
"It’s a hard period for the club, with a lot of indecision. Change of ownership, new players arriving – we had to increase the size of the changing room because it didn’t fit the size of the squad.
"A positive point is that there are amazing players in the squad but on the other hand there are always players that are going to be unhappy. There is always going to be someone upset because not everyone can play.
"The manager can only pick 11 from a squad of 30-something – that’s tough. Some can’t make the squad, we signed eight in January, we need to stop and put a strategy in place otherwise next season we could make the same mistakes."
These comments would usually get a player in trouble with management and ownership at a club - but Silva is a well-respected figure amongst the squad and club with his words ringing true and being hard to argue against. The 38-year-old is one of a handful of players that can be proud of their performances this term despite the poor run of results as Silva has become a key leader at the club.
Despite his age, he remains one of the best defenders at the club and will be a huge asset for the next manager at Stamford Bridge. Whether it is helping the new head coach understand the mood amongst the players and what they react to, or helping galvanise the squad when things are not going well during a period of adjustment - Silva will continue to be a leader on and off the pitch for the Blues.
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