The Chelsea managerial search could take a new twist with Frank Lampard reportedly considered for the caretaker role.
According to The Sun, club legend Frank Lampard could return to the Chelsea dugout as caretaker manager until the end of the season. The Blues are extensively searching for a new manager for the longer term, but there’s also the need to install someone to see out the season.
Frank Lampard’s presence at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s fruitless draw against Liverpool on Tuesday was no coincidence. The former Everton boss returned probably for the first time in a long while, and now there could be more to the story than a mere visit.
Chelsea reportedly considers Lampard to become their caretaker manager until the end of the season. The former Everton boss was in charge of the Stamford Bridge outfit between July 2019 and January 2021. After that, he took charge of the Toffees for a year between January 2022 and January 2023 and helped them avoid relegation.
Since departing Everton earlier this year, Lampard has been without a job, and the Chelsea post may have come with a bit of a surprise. Graham Potter’s assistant took charge of the Blues against Liverpool on Tuesday; the interim coach may have managed his last game.
Chelsea have already started appointing a new permanent manager so they might seek a caretaker boss until the end of May. Lampard’s availability and know-how of the club make him an interesting yet obvious choice for the role.
While they might look at club legend Lampard briefly, Chelsea are already set to interview high-profile candidates for the permanent position. Luis Enrique has reportedly flown to London after reports emerged he might become the favourite man for the post.
Chelsea have also approached Julian Nagelsmann, among others. The German got relieved of his position at Bayern Munich earlier, with former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel taking over. The 35-year-old remains on their payroll, meaning the London club must pay a compensation fee to lure him in.
Enrique has no such clauses, as he is without a job as things stand. Chelsea also considers Luciano Spalletti, Oliver Glasner and Mauricio Pochettino as options. They will interview most candidates in the coming weeks.
As for Lampard, he may represent the club as their interim manager for the remainder of the campaign. Considering the club’s status and size, Chelsea will not want someone like Saltar to become their face in the media. Hence the idea of seeing their club legend as a capable man to see off the season.
