Former Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has instructed Todd Boehly to make Frank Lampard's return to Stamford Bridge permanent. The former midfielder was named caretaker boss for the remainder of the season on Thursday.
Lampard replaced Graham Potter after the Englishman was sacked on the back of the 2-0 home loss to Aston Villa. The process to appoint the next permanent head coach is said to be well underway with Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique amongst Boehly's shortlist.
However, Hiddink has urged the club to consider Lampard as the new permanent manager beyond his interim position. The Dutchman took charge of 22 games for Chelsea in 2009, in which Lampard played in 21 as they won the FA Cup.
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“Honestly, I would like him to be considered not just as an interim coach,” he told the Telegraph. “But also to be given the confidence to continue with the project next season.
"He knows the club like nobody else and it's important to give continuity to things. Like anyone, Lampard is going to need time. Chelsea have invested a lot of money but now need to adapt to an idea."
Hiddink continued, defending Lampard's first spell in charge in west London. "It was perhaps too soon to take on such a big responsibility," he said. "He had just started his coaching career and now he's had more experience, he's more and better prepared. Let him work! I know him and I think he is the right person."
Lampard has already delved into his delight at being back at Chelsea. The Stamford Bridge legend is due to leave the club at the end of the season and the 44-year-old reiterated his understanding of his position.
"I think the role and the explanation of my role speaks for itself in the period that I'm here for. On that term, I'm not getting anywhere ahead of myself. I want to do the best possible role that I can impact the club in the best way in this period. After that, we'll see what happens," he explained.
It's a pretty easy decision to make. This is my club. In terms of my playing career and having coached here before. I have a lot of emotions and feelings towards the club. I'm also a very practical person.
"When you become a manager, you understand that you don't manage the club you say is yours forever. I've been on a different path since I left Chelsea but to come back at time where the club have asked me to come and take the role, that's the most important thing, but also with the belief that I can come and help the cause in this period until the end of the season."
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