Performances are now showing why Frank Lampard deserves time as manager of Chelsea. His side are improving slowly but surely, as he searches for what will suit his new side best.
Performances Show Frank Lampard Deserves Time at Chelsea
Improvements Needed, But They Will Come
Chelsea are by no means the finished article. Their weaknesses are visible, but it takes to overcome and adapt those weaknesses
Undeniably, their biggest weakness is in defence. Lampard is still unearthing his best centre-back partnership, while still alternating between Marcos Alonso and Emerson at left-back. It is the central defence that is causing the biggest issue for the Chelsea manager. He began the season with a partnership of Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen; however, that only lasted three games. Since then, Chelsea have seen six changes at the heart of their defence. Instability can be a major problem for any side, but Frank Lampard will soon discover what works for him at Chelsea.
Another problem is in attack, as he looks to fit to many square pegs in round holes. It is no secret that Frank Lampard is favouring youth at Stamford Bridge. However, how does he try and fit £56 million man Christian Pulisic into his side? Embed him in slowly? Or stamp his authority by selecting who he wants? Those questions are certainly ones that are yet to be answered.
Chelsea Under Frank Lampard Are Under Transition
Chelsea, under the guidance of Frank Lampard, are in transition. It is a case of out with the old and in with the new, as Lampard looks to have the reigns for the foreseeable future; meaning he can stamp his own authority at Stamford Bridge.
Five players at Stamford Bridge are currently over the age of 30. That, quite simply, does not suit Lampard’s mantra. While the Chelsea manager is currently opting for a blend of youth and experience, over the next two years, the old guard will be filtered out of West London.
Stamping his own authority does not just mean Lampard will jump straight into the transfer market. Yes, he will look to bring fresh faces to Chelsea once their transfer ban is lifted, but that does not mean he will ignore his vast and immensely talented academy. Frank Lampard has already given seven academy products their debuts this season, and that number will only continue to grow.
Moving Back To The Top Takes Time
Transition takes time – look at Liverpool. When Jurgen Klopp took over in 2015, Liverpool were languishing in the depths of the Premier League top half. Fast-forward four years and his side are now one of the most feared teams in Europe.
How did Klopp do it? With the promise of time. Liverpool finished eighth in Klopp’s first season at Anfield, and then fourth the following two seasons. Without anything to show for his first three years, he could have easily been sacked or jumped shipped for not achieving enough. However, they’ve now turned a corner, standing on their pedestal as Champions League winners and having only been pipped at the final hurdle to the Premier League title last season. If there’s a model that Chelsea need to follow, it is Liverpool’s.
Look Forward To The Future
Frank Lampard offers a number of excellent characteristics to be an excellent manager. Chelsea are most certainly aware of that, and should do everything to keep hold of him. The good times are still to come at Stamford Bridge, they just need to be patient.
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