Frank Lampard admits he is ‘delighted’ after being handed the ‘big challenge’ of managing Chelsea until the end of the season.
Lampard has been named as Chelsea’s interim manager until the end of the campaign as the club conduct the process of recruiting a new permanent head coach.
The 44-year-old – who is Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer after an illustrious playing career at Stamford Bridge – returns to the club for a second spell as manager, having led the club for 18 months between 2019 and 2021.
Lampard admits he is delighted to have the chance to manage Chelsea again and is looking forward to the challenge.
“This is my club. I have a lot of emotions towards the club. I’m also a practical person,” Lampard told a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Wolves this weekend.
“I’ve been on a different path since I left Chelsea, but to come back at a time when the club have asked me, with a belief I can help until the end of the season, I’m delighted to have this opportunity.
“I’m confident in myself. I’ve worked with a lot of the players before. I understand what the Chelsea fans want and I will do my utmost to give them what they want.”
Lampard arrives in west London with Chelsea 11th in the Premier League table, following a disappointing period under Graham Potter. The former Brighton boss was sacked last weekend, having won just seven of his 22 league fixtures in charge.
Lampard discussed the challenge facing him at Chelsea, which includes a Champions League quarter-final tie with Real Madrid next week.
“It’s a big challenge, but aren’t they all. Everything is a challenge, we see how the Premier League is,” he says.
“I’m ready to put my work into this challenge in front of me. I have a clear idea of what I want to achieve in this period.
“I don’t think football can surprise you. It’s such a competitive league. It’s my position to find the right energy, the right results to move ourselves in the right direction. We are where we are. There’s a lot of talent in this squad.”
Lampard was asked whether he felt there was ‘unfinished business’ at Chelsea following his previous spell, but insisted his focus is only on working hard to turn results around.
“I’m here in a different period, a different era. Unfinished business sounds a bit Hollywood. I want to work as hard as I can.”
