Frank Lampard’s return to Stamford Bridge as the manager of the club has not only got the fans together but also seen Chelsea revert to their attacking style of play which has been missing in the recent past despite their continued silverware success.
The former Chelsea great has already shown signs of what a talented manager he is by getting some important results against top sides like Liverpool, Ajax, Spurs, and Arsenal. His new style and trust in the Chelsea youngsters have also helped him qualify from the group stages of the UEFA Champions League as table toppers.
But disappointing results against experienced sides like Bayern Munich and Manchester City have shown that it is a work in progress at the Bridge. Despite ups and downs, the former Derby boss’s fearless mentality and unshakable faith in the youngsters have convinced some promising budding talents to be a part of the project going on at Chelsea.
Lampard has already captured Hakim Ziyech from Ajax while Timo Werner’s inclusion is just a matter of time for the Blues if reports are to be believed.
Let us take a look at 3 things Lampard should do to climb further up the table in the coming seasons.
Sort his goalkeeping issues
Chelsea’s English boss has already shown signs of his frustration with his top choice guarding the goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga, who he even put on the bench for a while due to the Spaniard’s lack of consistency.
Willy Caballero, 38, has been decent with his efforts when the chance came but his time as a footballer is slowly reaching a dead end. There is doubt how much cash there is with Lampard to splash after spending a good amount on Ziyech and an almost secured Werner, but a solid wall in front of the goal is much needed.
Even if they decide not to splurge on another goalkeeper, the situation with Kepa has to be resolved and the Spaniard needs to have the full backing of the management.
Sign a left-back
This is another position Chelsea have found hard to do well in ever since Ashley Cole’s departure. Marcos Alonso has been the choice for Lampard at left-back in big games due to his attacking threat and set-piece abilities but the former Fiorentina man has often been exposed at the back by fast and skilful wingers.
Emerson Palmieri has not been Lampard’s go-to man during Alonso’s absence as the former midfielder has usually tried out his skipper Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back with Reece James performing duties on the right.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Ben Chilwell and if Lampard can work his magic once more, their issues will be more than sorted for the long-term.
Add a pinch of pragmatism
Frank Lampard came out all guns blazing but has learnt a number of lessons already during the course of the campaign. Chelsea did not have too much to lose at the start of the season, given the dominance of Liverpool and Manchester City and their ongoing transfer ban.
But they have surprised one and all with their displays and somewhat staggered consistency. Frank will be mindful of the expectations next time around and if they can balance their attacking flair with a dollop of restraint, the sky will be the limit for them.