Why the Criticism of Frank Lampard as a Manager is Unfair
Frank Lampard is one of the greatest footballers to have ever kicked a ball. He’s a legend of the game, a serial winner, a man who commands respect in any room he walks into, and he’s won everything there is to win in the game. After he finished his playing career, he decided to venture into football management, and it’s been a journey to say the least. However, he gets scrutinised and criticised much more than others, which is unfair in my eyes. I’ve always rated Lampard as a manager and I think a lot of pundits and fans don’t take into account what he’s achieved so far, and the tough environments that he’s had to work in.
Lampard only spent one season at Derby County. In his 12th game in charge, he managed to get one over his former boss Jose Mourinho by defeating Manchester United at Old Trafford on penalties in the Carabao Cup. The Chelsea legend guided the Pride Park club to sixth in the table but lost the Championship play-off final 2-1 to Aston Villa. It was a solid debut season for the rookie boss, and he caught the attention of his former club Chelsea, who wanted him to replace outgoing boss Maurizio Sarri.
The Romford-born Lampard was going into a tough situation at the Blues as Eden Hazard was sold to Real Madrid and the club were under a transfer embargo. This meant Lampard had no other choice but to rely on giving the youth a chance. The Stamford Bridge Club went onto to be a surprise package that season by making the top four and reaching an FA Cup final. Lampard gave opportunities to Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, and Reece James – three players who flourished under his management. The former England international deserves praise for playing a key part in their development as players.
The following season didn’t go so well for Lampard, after only winning two of eight Premier League matches, Chelsea dropped to ninth in the table, and shortly after Lampard was sacked. Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard and went on to win the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final. However, Lampard deserves some credit for Chelsea’s second Champions League trophy. Seven of the players who started in the final were either developed or signed by Lampard – that was the team he built that reached the final.
After being out of the game for a year, Lampard took charge at Everton following the sacking of Rafa Benitez and for the first time in Lampard’s career – he was going to be in a relegation dog fight. Lampard kept the Blues after coming back from losing 2-0 to defeat Crystal Palace 3-2. Everton have been in a mess for a long time and the job is considered a poison chalice. Lampard was given the objective to keep them in the league and he delivered on that.
Lampard was sacked the following the season due to a poor run of results. The Toffees have gone through a staggering NINE managers in the last 12 years. The club have been a basket case for a long period of time, and it can’t be all the nine managers’ fault, especially Lampard’s as it’s evident there’s other factors behind the scenes.
In April 2023, Lampard made a shocking return to Chelsea. It is harsh to be too critical of Lampard during his second spell, considering the club were under a new ownership model, which was chaotic at the time to say the least – and it didn’t help the fact a lot of the squad weren’t happy.
The 46-year-old was appointed as Coventry City boss in November 2024, and it’s safe to say he’s had a fine start winning seven of his first 13 matches. The Sky Blues are 11th in the table and three points off the play-offs. The move to Coventry seems like the perfect fit for Lampard to kick start his managerial career again.
Is Lampard’s managerial career perfect? No. But context is key, and he’s had to deal with some very challenging circumstances at Everton and Chelsea the second time round. Lampard is underrated as a manager, and he clearly has got the capabilities to go on to have a successful career as a football manager and he will no doubt be wanting to prove his critics wrong – which I’m more than confident he will do so.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Matthias Hangst / Getty Images