At first many people doubted Chelsea’s decision to appoint Frank Lampard as coach. But all the predictions slowly fade along with the slick performance of the Blues at this time.
It is common indeed if many observers think that Lampard is not fit to lead a club as big as Chelsea. It still smells amateur in the world of coaching and has never handled an elite team.
Chelsea supporters were not entirely happy when management announced the name of Lampard as a substitute for Maurizio Sarri, who was richer in experience. They were worried, the achievements of the Blues went free in the hands of the legend.
The heart of Chelsea fans also had a thump as they watched their favorite team never win in the first three games. Two matches of which ended in defeat.
Two defeats were obtained against Manchester United with a score of 0-4 in the inaugural week of the Premier League, and surrender through the shootout in the European Super Cup against Liverpool after only being able to draw 2-2 in normal time.
While the draw was achieved when entertaining Leicester City with a score of 1-1 in the second week. Minor results that could make Chelsea slumped at the bottom of the ranks 15th.
The series of negative results made Lampard on the verge of early dismissal. Moreover, Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich, is known to indiscriminately dismiss even elite coaches who have poor performance.
Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho, and Antonio Conte fell victim to Abramovich’s iron fist. Likewise, the fate of Roberto Di Matteo who was recorded to have played for the Blues.
However, Lampard is an anomaly. Abramovich still gives an opportunity to the former favorite player. There was no early dismissal for Lampard.
Because, long before signing at Stamford Bridge, Lampard had won many trophies at Chelsea, from the Carling Cup, the English League to the Champions League. He is also listed as the top scorer in Chelsea history with 211 goals, though not a striker.
The gold ink mark made Abramovich secretly have a one-to-one agreement with Lampard. The tycoon guaranteed plenty of time for Lampard to create at Stamford Bridge.
Abramovich’s trust was not wasted by Lampard. The former England national team midfielder is a true fighter and has a hardworking character when actively playing.
The fiery spirit that was transmitted to his direction squad this season. Slowly, Lampard’s hard work paid off. Although still having trouble maintaining consistency, Chelsea continued to rise and shot into the top five.
Tottenham Hotspur fell victim to Chelsea’s fierceness under Lampard’s control. Unexpectedly, Lampard was able to break the strategy of Tottenham who trained his mentor: Jose Mourinho.
Lampard already understood very well the character of Mourinho who had coached him at Chelsea. Lampard’s 3-4-3 formation succeeded in making Tottenham Mourinho not move and forced to give up 0-2 through a pair of Willian goals.
Spurs’ attack lines: Son Heung Min, Delle Ali, and Harry Keane are frustrated. While Mason Mount and Willian seemed free to be creative in supporting the spearhead, Tammy Abraham.
Even Soccerway noted, Chelsea excelled in all lines. Not only superior to the number of goals, Azpilicueta and his friends dominated possession, shot on goal, to win the corner kick.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lampard claimed not to imitate the tactics of the previous coach, Antonio Conte. According to him, his 3-4-3 scheme has a different way of playing and is appropriate to reduce the Tottenham offensive.
In Lampard’s hands, a number of young players like Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and Mason Mount shone brightly. Abraham is a mainstay front line despite having Olivier Giroud.
The decision dismissed the notion that Lampard was forced to play young talent because Chelsea were subject to FIFA’s player spending ban.
On the contrary, it gives teenagers wide opportunities to develop their wings even further. The surefire way was done when handling Derby County who almost promoted to the Premier League.
After stumbling at the start of the season, Chelsea under Lampard’s control are now able to perch in the top four, advanced to the fourth round of the English League Cup, and look slick in the Champions League.
