Why Frank Lampard returning to Chelsea doesn’t add up

Former Chelsea player and manager Frank Lampard is set to make a return to the club as an interim coach, according to sources. Lampard, who had a successful playing career with Chelsea, was sacked as the club’s manager in January 2021 after a poor run of results.

The decision to bring Lampard back to the club has been met with criticism, with many questioning the point of appointing an interim coach when there are elite managers available who could be appointed permanently. The move has also been seen as a PR stunt to appease the disgruntled fanbase.

Some Chelsea fans have expressed their desire to see Frank Lampard back at Stamford Bridge in some capacity, but not necessarily as the head coach. The appointment of an interim coach allows the ownership to buy time as they continue their search for a permanent replacement for former manager Graham Potter.

Potter was sacked over the weekend, with Bruno Saltor appointed as his interim replacement. Saltor’s first game in charge saw Chelsea hold Liverpool to a goalless draw, and many are questioning why he has been replaced so soon.

There are also concerns that Lampard’s appointment could potentially throw away Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Lampard’s Champions League record is not impressive, and many believe that he is not the man to deliver a dream run in the competition.

Despite these concerns, some are hopeful that Lampard can pick up some decent results and restore his reputation as a coach. However, there are still question marks over whether he has the experience and quality to turn Chelsea’s form around.

The decision to bring Lampard back to the club has intensified scrutiny around the decision to sack Potter in the first place. Potter had shown tactical nous in the Champions League last 16, knocking out Borussia Dortmund in a stirring second leg.

It remains to be seen how Lampard will fare in his second stint as a Chelsea coach.