(Xinhua Sports) Frank Lampard reflects on his departure from Chelsea as interim manager, but also offers some tough advice for his successor.
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Newcastle in the 38th round of the 2022/23 Premier League at Stamford Bridge in London, England, on Sept. 29 (KST). The draw in the final league game of the season means that Chelsea will finish the season in 12th place.
Much was expected of Chelsea this season, with owner Todd Boleyn investing heavily in the club and bringing in highly regarded Premier League manager Graham Potter mid-season.
However, the club struggled with poor form, an oversized squad, and ups and downs in form. At the end of the season, the club made the unorthodox decision to sack Potter and appoint Lampard as interim manager, but it didn’t lead to a turnaround.
Lampard returned to Chelsea in the 스포츠토토 2020/21 season after being sacked by the Blues, looking to bounce back in the managerial ranks, but his first nine league games were a disaster, with one win, two draws, and six losses.
Lampard eventually left the club after the final game of the season, but he was quick to show his affection for the club by sharing his thoughts and advice for the new manager.
“Lampard has warned Mauricio Pochettino that he must make getting rid of players a top priority,” the Daily Mail reported on May 29.
According to the report, Lampard said in an interview after the league final: “We’ve dropped off as a whole. A club like Chelsea has to reach the maximum of its standards, otherwise you can’t play at the highest level, you’re not physically competitive,” Lampard said of his disappointing performance.
“Players need to want a place, push each other and be competitive. That’s what everybody should be like on a top team. When I came back, I could see that we didn’t have enough of that. Of course, a good coach will help with that, but everyone has to take responsibility for their behavior,” he said, criticizing the players’ lack of competitiveness.
Lampard also commented on Pochettino, who is reportedly already signed as Chelsea’s next manager. “I’m a big fan of Pochettino and I think he’s a good manager. I think he creates a clear identity for a team that can win,” he said.
As for advice for the future, he emphasized the importance of reducing the squad.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Lampard said. “It’s a big challenge to work with players who are not physically competitive enough, who are disillusioned for whatever reason,” he said, “and we need to get rid of them. It’s difficult to compete in the league with some players who are uncertain about their future at the club,” he said, adding that the club needs to make the decision to let go of players who are not committed to the team and are not giving their best.
With Lampard’s advice, Chelsea are set for a busy summer of signings and releases to fit Pochettino’s plans.
There have already been reports that several players are on Chelsea’s transfer list, while others, such as Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount, have been linked with sales.
It will be interesting to see if the Blues, who have shocked the Premier League with their massive investment, can bring in players who fit Lampard’s criteria and show a different side next season under Pochettino.