ClapThe expectation has always been that it was going to take time for Frank Lampard to settle into his new role as Chelsea manager. His projected success wasn’t going to come overnight despite the fact that he is a legend at the club, because nothing he did all those years ago can save him if things start to go south.
Some have argued that he’s risking his legacy by taking this plunge, but the competitive nature that burns deep inside of him is clearing driving the Englishman to try and bring the best out of Chelsea’s first team squad. That, in itself, is admirable.
Pushing forward
Unfortunately, as reported by The Guardian and BBC, his latest attempt to win a Premier League game as a manager fell short with a 1-1 draw against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge.
The fans gave him a fantastic ovation for what was his first home game as the club’s new boss, but we all knew that it wasn’t going to be a walk in the park for him. With that being said the Blues still managed to get off to a pretty strong start, with Mason Mount repaying the faith that ‘Super Frank’ put in him by opening the scoring.
They were looking dangerous and probably should’ve added to their lead on a few occasions, but as half time approached, it was clear to see that Leicester were starting to gain some confidence.
Then, early in the second half, Ndidi’s fine header brought the game level. Both sides had opportunities to nudge themselves back into the lead, but it wasn’t to be as they shared the spoils in London.
Despite the defeat, Lampard had some positives to draw alongside the negatives.
“It felt great, it is a special moment for me to come back to the club and manage them at Stamford Bridge,” said Lampard.
Taking their time
“For me it is a huge thing, but my focus today was on the match and trying to win.
“Thanks very much to the fans, I appreciate that, but I am here to do a job and here to try and win for the club and we can do better than we did today.”
“It’s very early for us. We have to be patient as we are working towards something.
“Two or three nil would have taken the game away from them but we didn’t take those chances. That’s the story of our season so far. We need to be more clinical, for sure. It is defining.”
This season is going to be a marathon not a sprint, and nobody needs to tell Chelsea and Frank Lampard that. They’ve been in this situation before and they understand how tricky it’s going to get, but within the next few games, they really do need to try and get on the board in a big way with three points.
If they continue to struggle by the time Christmas rolls around, then the future of Lampard as the club’s boss is going to be up for debate.
