Muheeb Mashood reports
Chelsea called their former midfielder, Frank Lamapard back to duty. The all-time goalscorer with 211 goals was appointed as an interim coach, according to the club’s board members on Thursday.
The caretaker manager will manage the team until the end of the season where he will battle the challenges of elevating the club’s present League position and Champion’s League saga. The 44 years old returned back to Stamford Bridge after his dismissal by Former owner Roman Abrahamovic following poor performances in January, 2021.
“We are delighted to welcome Frank back to Stamford Bridge. Frank is a Premier League Hall of Famer and a legend at this club,” co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali said in a statement on the club’s website.
“As we continue our thorough and exhaustive process for a permanent head coach, we want to provide the club and our fans with a clear and stable plan for the remainder of the season.
“We want to give ourselves every chance of success and Frank has all of the characteristics and qualities we need to drive us to the finish line.”
In a press conference, the coach showed his gratitude over the appointment. “This is my club. I have a lot of emotions towards the club. I’m also a practical person,” Lampard told a news conference.
“I’ve been on a different path since I left Chelsea, but to come back at a time when the club has asked me, with a belief I can help until the end of the season, I’m delighted to have this opportunity.”
Recall that a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa after an international break on Saturday compelled the Blues to free their manager, Graham Potter. The defeat was so unfavorable that the team had to step down for their opponent from 10th to 11th position.
On 3rd of April, the coach’s appointment was terminated by the club’s board members, led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. But, the news did not shock the team’s supporters as they have been hoping for the outcome for a long time before now.
Speaking about the incident, former coach Thomas Tuchel said “I saw the news… The timing coincided with my appointment here. I really enjoyed working there and formed a friendship for life. But the club’s changed a lot, so it didn’t trigger big emotions in me”.
Whether the coach will have his way as a head coach depends much on his performance. However, the club is eyeing a German, Julian Nagelsmann and former Barcelona player and manager, Lius Enrique as a permanent coach.
According to media reports, former Spain and Barcelona boss Luis Enrique has traveled to London to hold talks with Chelsea.