Frank Lampard explains his decision to take over at Chelsea FC
Frank Lampard opens up about his decision to return to Chelsea FC as the club's new manager
Frank Lampard has admitted that he took his time in making a decision about taking the Chelsea FC manager’s job.
The former England international was appointed as the Blues’ new manager on a three-year deal on Thursday after intense speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Lampard joins Chelsea FC despite having relative inexperience as a manager, with the ex-midfielder having only coached Derby County for one year last season.
Given his legendary status at the Stamford Bridge club, many would have assumed that it would have been a quick decision for Lampard to make.
However, the man himself has now admitted that he took his time before making the decision to take over at Stamford Bridge.
Asked about his decision to take over at the club, Lampard told his news conference at Stamford Bridge on Thursday: “I thought about it a lot. I understand people will talk about the fact I’ve only had one year in management and to come into the Chelsea job after one year doesn’t happen often.
“In my playing career, I played with a lot of fantastic managers and that will hopefully stand me in good stead. I also learned a lot in one year at Derby but what will define my time here is my work ethic to get success. I know I have to prove myself and I want to show I’m ready to manage this club.”
He was then asked about how long it took him to make a decision to move back to Stamford Bridge, and he continued: “It didn’t take seconds or minutes because I had to address a really good opportunity we had last year at Derby.
“The owner, staff and fans welcomed me so it’s not been an easy decision on that behalf because we had a really good year. However, it was quicker than usual because it’s this club. I don’t have to keep saying how I feel about Chelsea so the opportunity to manage this club, these players and fans is huge for me.
“I’m aware what a job of this size means. I played here for long enough and the pressure was high. A club like Chelsea have high expectations and standards, you have to compete year after year, but I’m not apprehensive about that. I’m a realist, I understand what the club want from me and I’ll try to deliver.”
Lampard will be looking to guide Chelsea FC to another top-four finish next season after they finished third and won the Europa League last term.
Maurizio Sarri opted to leave Stamford Bridge to take over at Juventus last month after just a year in charge at Chelsea FC.
