Frank Lampard, reflecting on Mauricio Pochettino’s challenging first season at Chelsea, expressed understanding rather than shock. Taking over temporarily after Graham Potter’s departure, Lampard made way for Pochettino, who faced the daunting task of navigating Chelsea through a tumultuous season. Despite their customary high standards, Chelsea found themselves languishing in ninth place in the Premier League, struggling to secure European qualification through the league.
However, Lampard noted that Pochettino’s Chelsea still had a chance to secure European football through the FA Cup. Lampard emphasized the importance of incremental progress, citing the team’s composition as a factor in their struggles. He acknowledged the team’s moments of confidence, highlighted by an eight-game unbeaten run, but also pointed out their inconsistency, particularly in managing games effectively.
Lampard highlighted the contributions of emerging talents like Cole Palmer while cautioning that momentum could be fleeting. He referenced Chelsea’s recent 6-0 victory over Everton, marred by a penalty dispute involving Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke, and Palmer. Despite the controversy, Lampard commended Chelsea’s recent form, with five wins and three draws since the Carabao Cup final defeat in February.
Reflecting on his own tenure at Chelsea as both player and manager, Lampard recognized the challenges inherent in managing a club with a rotating board of managers. He anticipated the difficulties facing any incoming manager, particularly with a significant squad overhaul on the horizon. Lampard’s insights into Chelsea’s current predicament offer a nuanced understanding of the club’s ongoing transition and the hurdles faced by Pochettino in his inaugural season at Stamford Bridge.
