Prior to this season, most thought that Frank Lampard was making a bad choice by agreeing to take on the job as full-time Chelsea manager. The 41-year-old had just over a years of management experience under his belt prior to this season from his spell managing Derby County. Whilst he got the Championship side to play an impressive brand of football last season, the Stamford Bridge legend did not guide the Rams to Premier League promotion so his CV was not exactly the most impressive.
Lampard has not helped Chelsea playing an impressive brand of football this season amidst their two-window transfer ban. The West Londoners were never expected to win any trophies or titles this season and it was all about damage control for them with the top priority being to try and win a top-four spot. Eden Hazard almost single handily guided the club to a top-four finish last season and his departure combined with the club’s inability to bring in a direct replacement led to fears that they could have been set for a mid-table finish this season and that Lampard was set up for failure.
In a way, the transfer ban has proven to be a blessing in disguise. If not for it, it is highly unlikely that the likes of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount would have been given much opportunities this season. The trio would have likely been sent on loans to other clubs after having also spent last season on the books of other clubs in order to hone their skills.
Chelsea will not win any trophies this season but Lampard has certainly built a side which cane finish in the top four and which could be a future super-star squad in the making. The West Londoners could be a trophy worthy winning squad by as early as next season.
