Chelsea legend Frank Lampard returned to Stamford Bridge as caretaker manager until the end of the season - but things have not gone well for him so far. The 44-year-old has become the first Blues manager to lose their first four fixtures with Lampard having already thrown away his chances of becoming the permanent boss ahead of next season.
Chelsea have held talks with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann regarding the vacant managerial position at the club, with the latter emerging as 'favourite' ahead of the former Barcelona and Spain boss. Nagelsmann was sacked by Bayern Munich last month, with Thomas Tuchel – ironically – replacing him at the Allianz Arena.
football.london understands the German is a serious contender to take the hot seat at Stamford Bridge but Todd Boehly will not rush the process of appointing a new head coach. Boehly may have actually made a brilliant move - despite results on the pitch not improving - by bringing Lampard back to the club.
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Lampard admitted that his return to the Blues was a ‘no brainer’ for him after Graham Potter was sacked, and he could play an important role at the club going forward if rewarded for his loyalty. The 44-year-old has a reputation for having an eye for talent and being able to pinpoint targets and pursue them vigorously.
Lampard handed Mason Mount and Reece James their debuts at Stamford Bridge and both have become crucial players for the club. The ex-Everton boss also identified West Ham captain Declan Rice as a key transfer target and he remains on the Blues' radar to this day.
Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell were both acquired under his management, with Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy both being influential characters that have been the victims of their surroundings recently for differing reasons. With the club in a difficult position at present, Lampard has already hinted that he knows what the club need to do to get back on track.
The interim boss has already questioned some of the players' fitness, the desire to fight for the club and his knowledge upstairs in terms of mood and what is required will steer the club towards far better recruitment and a better future. Another reason to offer Lampard a new role, potentially as a director of football, would help bridge the gap between the playing squad and the higher figures at Stamford Bridge.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are known for their visits to the dressing room after matches as the duo try to be as hands-on as possible. This may not be the best practise with some players said to be confused by the approach, whilst having Lampard play that role instead could prove to be a better tactic.
A well-informed messenger between the playing squad and co-owners could be an ideal role for the 44-year-old, with owners entering the dressing room on matchdays potentially doing more harm than good as it stands. This season has not been a good look from the outside of Stamford Bridge with Boehly clearing house in terms of managers and staff, bringing in a number of new faces.
The lack of a constant is a major negative that needs to be addressed - and Lampard looks a ready-made candidate to do so. By handing the ex-Everton boss a permanent role within the club, it would stabilise some areas around the playing squad whilst benefitting the Blues in other key departments.
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