A View From The Bridge
Lampard snubbed former PL star in favour of this summer signing

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard chose to sign Hakim Ziyech over Christian Eriksen
Speaking on the Here We Go podcast (h/t The Express), transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea chose to sign Hakim Ziyech over Christian Eriksen.
The Moroccan international made his competitive debut for Chelsea yesterday against Southampton. He had been sidelined with an injury sustained during the pre-season friendly against Brighton.
Lampard believes Ziyech is the perfect addition to his Blues squad. His conviction in the midfielder is so high that he passed over a chance to sign Eriksen.

The Dane, now at Inter Milan, is a name familiar to fans of the Premier League. He spent a number of seasons at Tottenham Hotspur where he established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.
According to the report, Inter were willing to cut ties with the 28-year-old just months after they signed him last January. The player was offered to Chelsea but the Blues refused to bite.
“Chelsea said no but the decision was more from Lampard than from the board. The decision to pass on the Dane was down to Lampard rather than the club.

“So he was not interested in signing another player with top quality as Eriksen because he said, ‘Our future, our present is Hakim Ziyech.’ That’s why Chelsea said no to Christian Eriksen.”
According to Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand (h/t The Express), Lampard has been left impressed with Ziyech in training.
Now that he is fit to feature once again, the hope is that Ziyech can replicate the form he has shown at Ajax Amsterdam.

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Chelsea fell prey to an injury-time equalizer against Southampton yesterday. The Blues have now dropped seven points from their first five games in the Premier League.
A View From The Bridge
“Has a future at Chelsea” – Some fans react as Blues loanee impresses against Man United

Chelsea fans react on Twitter after Ruben Loftus-Cheek impresses against Manchester United
Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek continues to enhance his reputation while on loan at Fulham.
The 24-year-old looked to be on his way to making it into the Chelsea first-team before injuries stopped him in his tracks. In fact, his current run at Craven Cottage is the longest since his return to action.
While he has continued to blow hot and cold, the level of performances are picking up.

The Englishman could not stop a United comeback after Fulham had taken an early lead. However, he impressed with some good movement and even tested David de Gea in the United goal. It is fair to say that he caused Fred much trouble in the middle of the park.
While it failed to garner a result, his performance on the night will also come as a welcome sign to Scott Parker. The former Blue, in charge of Fulham, has full faith that the midfielder will reach his potential.
Alongside Ross Barkley and Conor Gallagher, Loftus-Cheek is also beginning to reap the benefits of spending the season out on loan.
We take a look at how fans reacted to the midfielder’s performance against United
Twitter reacts as Chelsea loanee impresses against United
Ruben Loftus-Cheek still has a future at Chelsea
— BC X CFC (@BCxCFC) January 20, 2021
I’m just happy to see Ruben Loftus-Cheek play so well.
— Joe Jr. (@Joetronics1) January 20, 2021
I can’t wait untill Ruben Loftus-Cheek returns to the bridge
— Spugy_don (@1spugy) January 20, 2021
Ruben Loftus Cheek tonight 👏👏
— Simmi (@simmi_harsimar) January 20, 2021
TBH Ruben loftus cheek was the better midfield player tonight, bossed Fred up and down
— Ajao-Olarinoye (@izzyNerds) January 20, 2021
Pivoting away from Chelsea for a moment, but also connected, it’s great to Ruben Loftus-Cheek playing so well and regaining his confidence.
— RJ (@RJ_Goodthings) January 20, 2021
🤞 he keeps it up, even if he doesn’t come back to the Blues (would love if he did), he’s just a joy to watch 👌#CFC #FULMUN
This Ruben Loftus-Cheek fella looks pretty good.
— ✈️ (@Arrizabalager) January 20, 2021
More Chelsea News
- Chelsea youngster Marcel Lewis could leave the club
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- Chelsea board to target German-speaking manager to replace Frank Lampard
More to the point, that second 45 from Ruben Loftus-Cheek was his finest in a Fulham shirt. Primarily, he’s deployed to drive us forward and he did so, relentlessly, and in fleeting flashes, he was virtually untouchable. A shimmering sign of what’s to come, finally. #ffc
— Cam Ramsey (@94CAMRAM) January 20, 2021
His finishing has let him down but positive signs from Ruben Loftus-Cheek tonight. Flashes of the player we saw before that awful injury in 2019. #CFC
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) January 20, 2021
A View From The Bridge
“No chance” – German giants chip in on Twitter to send Chelsea a message

RB Leipzig respond to Chelsea fan’s query on Julian Nagelsmann
According to the Express, RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann is the frontrunner to replace a struggling Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
The German is one of the best young coaches in world football. He made a name for himself with TSG Hoffenheim and now continues to lead Leipzig with distinction.
Leipzig isn’t just a domestic powerhouse but is also taking strides in Europe. They made it to the Champions League semifinals last season and have also qualified for the last 16 this time around.
A Chelsea fan took to Leipzig’s Twitter account to ask them a favour. The tongue in cheek attempt hinted at the availability of Nagelsmann to take over at Chelsea.
The German side’s social media team took the effort graciously before shutting down the Chelsea fan’s efforts at beating about the bush.

This did not stop the fan from pointing out that the German side said the same thing about Timo Werner. If it comes to pass, let’s hope Nagelsmann makes more of an impact than the German striker.
Nagelsmann has prior experience of working with Werner. It can be argued that he was the one who turned the 24-year-old into a goalscoring machine.
An abundance of talent?
Werner has struggled to recreate the same level at Chelsea. The same can be said for Kai Havertz, who at times looks lost on the field. The Blues have been touted to bring in a German-speaking coach to get the best out of the duo. (h/t The Athletic) (Subscription Required)

With the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Ralph Hasenhuttl, Ralf Rangnick also linked, there appears to be some truth in the news. At 33, Nagelsmann however has excellent potential and could be the right long-term prospect to lead us forward.
More Chelsea News
- Chelsea youngster Marcel Lewis could leave the club
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According to The Express, Lampard has been given three games to turn things around. Whether this is a final opportunity for him to save his job remains to be seen.
A View From The Bridge
Do or die – Lampard told what he needs to do to save Chelsea job

Frank Lampard given three games to save Chelsea job
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have given manager Frank Lampard three games to prove he is the right man for the job.
The Blues legend has come under intense scrutiny following a poor run of two wins in eight Premier League games. Once top, the club is now floundering in the eighth spot.
Having spent a fortune to bring in players in the summer, Lampard has been backed well by the club. With results failing to pick up, patience appears to be wearing thin at the Bridge.

Chelsea oligarch Roman Abramovich is notoriously known to disperse with managers when the going gets tough. Lampard is not just a club legend but also a name that is popular among the Blues faithful.
This has made the Chelsea board apprehensive about calling time on the 42-year-old’s stint at Stamford Bridge. However, there is only so much leeway even he can get. (h/t The Express)
The likes of Massimiliano Allegri, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralph Hasenhuttl, and Thomas Tuchel have all been linked with the Chelsea hot-seat. The news could gain more traction in the coming weeks if results don’t pick up. (h/t The Express)

Chelsea next faces Championship side Luton Town in the FA Cup this weekend. This is followed up by a Premier League doubleheader against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley.
On paper, the Blues should be expected to win all three games. Anything less than that could spell disaster for Lampard.
The Blues boss has shown moments of great promise and could go on to become a top-level manager. For now, his very survival is at stake and he will need to showcase just what he is made of.

More Chelsea News
- Chelsea youngster Marcel Lewis could leave the club
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- Chelsea board to target German-speaking manager to replace Frank Lampard
Despite our poor run of form, the Blues sit just five points shy of the fourth spot. A good run of results could see us get back in the mix for a top-four finish.
With more than half a season to go, there is plenty to play for. It remains to be seen if Lampard will be the man trusted to see us through it.
A View From The Bridge
Lampard admits Chelsea star is doing better than ever, despite not playing regularly

Frank Lampard lavishes praise on Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi
According to Football.london, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes Callum Hudson-Odoi is doing better than ever.
The 20-year-old has made 17 appearances for the club this season. During that time he has scored five goals and made two assists. (h/t Transfermarkt)
The winger has been in good form of late. He impressed off the bench against Arsenal and Manchester City before putting in another stellar performance against Morecambe.

Despite the team looking more threatening with Hudson-Odoi on the pitch, he has often started on the bench. Lampard believes it is ‘lazy’ to claim the Blues are only firing when the player is on the field.
The Blues boss admits that Hudson-Odoi is currently performing at a high level. He has done well to return from injury and is once again showing his ability.
“He is playing at a really high level in terms of where we saw him last year, recovering from an injury.”

Speaking ahead of the game against Fulham, Hudson-Odoi insisted that he needed to make the most of the opportunities that come his way. Lampard for one is witnessing progression in the player and believes he will continue to get chances.
“His progression is there, he is getting his chances and he will get more chances.”
Crossing the threshold?
The Chelsea boss went on to label Hudson-Odoi’s form as the best it has been during his reign. At 20, he still has the best years of his career ahead of him. So far the signs look good and it is clear why he is held in such high regard.
“He is playing better than I have seen him play for us and really contributing. That is through his own hard work.”

More Chelsea News
- Frank Lampard expects Chelsea star Mason Mount to follow in his stead
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The Blues take on Leicester City later tonight. With Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner failing to find the back of the net, Hudson-Odoi can hopefully once again be the difference-maker.
Hopefully, he is now able to get a consistent run of games and become a regular in the side.