After changing hands from Conte to Lampard, many believed the Englishman to fail at his first try as a manager in the top flight. Frank had other ideas.
Before the season started, Chelsea lost their star player, Eden Hazard. At the time, Chelsea was unable to find any replacement for him. Questions began to circulate on whether the Blues would even be able to succeed without him. Then Frank Lampard came and turned things around.
Frank Lampard is a legend in the football world and is arguably Chelsea’s greatest player to ever play for them. He was brought to Chelsea as a manager after success in his managerial debut at Derby County. He made immediate changes at Chelsea which brought the club a great deal of success. But how exactly did he do it?
Faith in the youth
Right from the first match of the season, Lampard gave regular minutes to the youth players. Players like Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Billy Gilmour, and soon to be Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Not only did Lampard give these players minutes, but he also supported them fully.
Back in the UEFA Super Cup against Liverpool, the match went to a penalty shootout. It came down to one penalty as Chelsea would lose if they missed.
Tammy Abraham was the one to take the shot and he ended up missing. Of course, he was disappointed, but Lampard supported and consoled him. He never lost faith in Tammy or any of the other youth players.
Another great example is during Lampard’s press conferences. Proof that he always supports every single player, no matter who it is. Frank Lampard’s tactics, wit, and words have turned him into a great manager, one who seems loveable.
As a former player, the manager has first-hand experience. He uses it well when managing which builds a good persona within the club.