Ian Wright admits he is ‘worried’ for his friend Frank Lampard as he questions his Chelsea return
‘I’m scared because he hasn’t gone too well so far’: Ian Wright admits he is ‘worried’ for his friend Frank Lampard as he questions his decision to return to Chelsea as caretaker manager
Ian Wright fears for Frank Lampard’s managerial career following the latter’s decision to return to Chelsea as caretaker manager.
Lampard was brought in to replace Graham Potter until the end of the season. His second spell in charge got off to a poor start as Chelsea suffered a 1–0 defeat to Wolves.
It’s been a frustrating season for the Blues, who are 11th in the Premier League and 17 points clear of the top four, despite Todd Boehly having spent around £600m since the summer transfer window.
Lampard said in his first press conference at the club that it was an ‘easy decision’ and vowed to give the fans ‘what they want’.
However, BBC pundit Wright has doubts about how beneficial the move to return to Stamford Bridge is for Lampard.
Frank Lampard suffered defeat in his first game back as Chelsea’s caretaker manager
Ian Wright has wondered how beneficial it would be for Lampard to return to the Chelsea dugout
Wright admitted he’s ‘afraid’ of his friend because ‘he hasn’t been doing very well so far’
“I’m scared, I just want him to do this well. I’m scared because things haven’t gone very well for him so far,” he said on the Wrighty’s House podcast.
“Derby was okay, the job at Chelsea was too good to turn down, then Everton and everything that happens there.
“I’m just worried about a friend. Does this move help him? How does it help him? Is he doing it as a favor? Does he want to go back into management now?
“Chelsea is in turmoil at the moment. I am very confused and worried about the whole thing. What’s in it for Frank?
“Has he had enough time to organize these players and has he learned enough from his last experience at Chelsea and Everton to think he can get this team in place in the limited time he has?”
Lampard only had two days with the side before they traveled to the Molineux to face Wolves and it showed as their forwards presented little threat in a dismal game.
Ian Wright believes Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could play a role for Chelsea under Lampard
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang came off the bench during the game and while he didn’t put on a good showing, Wright thinks the Gabon international can play an important role for Lampard.
He added: “Last time Lampard was at Chelsea I remember he liked Aubameyang. He will score the chances Chelsea are creating now. It feels like it was set up for Aubameyang to come in. Chelsea would still be easy teams can start beating.’
Lampard has eight Premier League games left, as well as a two-legged quarter-final against Real Madrid in the Champions League.