Chelsea are set to give manager Frank Lampard time to prove that he is the right man for the job. This comes after the embarrassing loss to Manchester City.
With just one victory in their last six in the Premier League, Lampard has come under heavy scrutiny. Expectations are high at Chelsea this season, having spent over £220 million in the summer.
Despite a 17 game unbeaten run earlier in the season, performances have faltered of late, causing the Chelsea board to become concerned. It is understood that Thomas Tuchel is being monitored for the job should Lampard be sacked. Despite this, Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian understands that Lampard is to be given time to prove himself.
Chelsea to Give Frank Lampard More Time
Recent Performances Not Good Enough
The 3-1 loss to Manchester City was Chelsea’s fifth loss of the season and the fourth loss in the last six games. It has been an extremely disappointing festive season for the Blues, who once sat in first after victory against Leeds United in early December. They are now eighth, seven points off the top.
The gulf in class between Pep Guardiola’s City and Lampard’s Chelsea was painstakingly obvious. Three well-worked goals in the first half effectively put the game to bed before half-time. It looked like men against boys at times, with City cutting through the Chelsea team with frightening pace and precision.
However, Lampard and his men now have a chance to re-group and get back to winning ways, with Chelsea due to play League Two club Morecambe in the FA Cup at the weekend, although this fixture could be called off due to a Covid-19 outbreak at Morecambe. The next few games will be key to see if Lampard will be able to retain his job. It is do or die time for the 42-year-old.
Lampard’s Lack of Experience Showing
This season is only Lampard’s third as a first-team manager. This lack of experience has been evident several times this season. Style of play and tactics have been questioned privately by some players according to Steinberg. However, it is this inexperience that could be Lampard’s saving grace, as he believes he has more to give as Chelsea boss.
The question is, how long will Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich give Lampard? With elite-level managers such as Tuchel available, results will have to improve if Lampard is to keep his job.
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