Frank Lampard envisioned Chelsea training with Cobham for the first time since returning to the club as caretaker manager following the sacking of Graham Potter
Frank Lampard has led Chelsea’s training as caretaker manager for the first time since returning to the club.
The 44-year-old, who previously led the Blues to fourth place in the league and an FA Cup final during his final spell as manager of 2019-21, was appointed until the end of the season on Thursday.
He’s been pictured laughing with players he’ll know from back in the day, like Christian Pulisic, while also chatting with new faces, like struggling winger Mykhaylo Mudryk.
It comes after Graham Potter parted ways with the club on Sunday after a disappointing seven months.
He leaves the club eleventh in the league and close to the relegation zone than the top four, although they have reached a Champions League quarter-final.
Speaking to the media shortly after Chelsea officially confirmed his return, Lampard said: “[It was] a surprise in terms of you never know what decision the club is going to make.
“I especially enjoyed my time at home. When you have time at home, you can throw yourself into your family.
“But it was an easy decision for me, this is my club. I am also a very practical person.
“Since I left Chelsea I’ve been on a different path, but I’ll come back when I’m called upon and I’ll come back with the belief that I can help until the end of the season.
“I am very happy to have the opportunity and I am grateful. I have a good understanding of the squad, the training ground, the stadium and the fans and I will do my best.’
Asked if he ever saw himself in Chelsea’s hotseat again, the club’s all-time top goalscorer added: “I didn’t think I’d ever be in this seat. I understand the club and the game.
“To be honest, it was not my idea to come back as Chelsea manager. It was my job to be the best manager I can be.
“I don’t see it as unfinished business. Now I’m in a different period here and I just want to do the best I can. Unfinished business just seems a bit Hollywood.’
Lampard will play the first game of his second period as leader against Wolves on Saturday.
Next Wednesday, they will face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.