Frank Lampard has seemingly confirmed what has been widely speculated – the imminent appointment of a new permanent coach at Chelsea, believed to be former Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.
As an interim manager, Lampard, a club legend, has only three Premier League matches remaining before concluding his tenure, overseeing Chelsea’s disappointing season that is destined for a bottom-half finish – their worst in years.
Lampard becomes the fourth manager to take charge of the Stamford Bridge dugout this season, following the tenures of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Bruno Saltor, who managed the game against Liverpool.
According to The Athletic, Lampard will collaborate with Pochettino and the sporting directors to ease the transition and set the team on track for next season.
Lampard’s message to Chelsea players
Chelsea have a bloated squad with over thirty first team members, and there will be a mass exodus at the end of the season regardless of who comes in as the manager.
Some of those departing are already confirmed, while others have their futures depending on the final words of the incoming manager, which is why Lampard has warned them.
“If you want to stay at Chelsea and you want to impress the new manager, show it in these next three games because, for sure, he will be watching,” he told Football Daily.
Priority positions Pochettino must address
Sports Brief listed four priority positions Pochettino must address as new Chelsea boss in his first transfer window.
A mass exodus is planned, and a few incomings must be added for a balanced squad. He has to resolve the goalkeeping conundrum in his first days.
The defensive midfielder role needs a signing; the attacking midfield needs a decision, while the striker needs a decision or a signing, depending on Romelu Lukaku.