Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers believes that managers of the calibre of Frank Lampard deserve to be fast-tracked into management. Lampard was appointed as manager of the Blues ahead of this season, despite having just one season of management experience under his belt. The Chelsea club legend managed Derby County last season.
“Players who’ve been at the top of the game should have a chance to be fast-tracked into management” Lampard said as quoted by The Sun.
“You still have to do the work and have the commitment.
“Frank is clearly driven to succeed. With those who’ve been great players, it’s about ambition, but also about doing the work.
“If you do my journey, you must earn it over a longer period.”
Lampard’s appointment attracted a lot of criticism
Some felt that the Blues appointed Lampard too prematurely and they are certainly justified in feeling this way. Since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003, he has not been hesitant to sack managers. Maurizio Sarri who stepped down as manager at the end of last season in order to take charge of Juventus became the first full-time manager of the club to leave without being sacked since Abramovich bought the club.
Lampard also has to navigate the Blues through a tricky patch given that they have to field many inexperienced players this season in lieu of their two window transfer ban. Many feel that the club should have gone for a more experienced Premier League manager such as Rodgers himself or Rafael Benitez.
Moreover, Lampard is not yet a proven manager at the highest level. He did manage to take Derby to the Championship promotion playoffs last season but ultimately fell short after the Rams lost the promotion playoff final against Aston Villa.
Chelsea fans cannot hold Lampard accountable if the club fails to finish in the top four
Finishing in the top four will be impressive for the Blues this season. However, should the club fail to do so, they cannot really fault Lampard. He inherited a side which is arguably weaker than that of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool.
The fans can however have right to be skeptical of Lampard’s abilities if they fail to secure a top six finish and do not play an impressive brand of football.
