Chelsea hero Michael Essien surprised by Frank Lampard entry into management
According to TalkSport (h/t Daily Mail), former Chelsea star Michael Essien has heaped the praise on Blues boss Frank Lampard.
Despite the praise, the Ghanian is surprised by his former teammate’s entry into management. Having earned his wings at Derby County, Lampard was offered the Stamford Bridge hot seat last summer to replace Maurizio Sarri.
Handicapped by the transfer ban and also losing Eden Hazard, Lampard did well to make use of his resources at the club last season.
Chelsea finished in the top four and also made it to the final of the FA Cup. While we may have lost the trophy to Arsenal, progress on the pitch was evident for all to see.
Essien is well aware of the managerial merry go round at Chelsea. The Blues have replaced managers regularly and the Ghanian realises it is not the easiest of clubs to thrive at.
He believes Lampard has done well given the circumstances and wishes him the best ahead.
“Chelsea is not an easy place to go as a manager or player. His first year he was not allowed to make a lot of signings, but he still managed to do well. It’s a big credit to him and hopefully, they will do even better this season.”
Despite his surprise at Lampard making the foray into the back room staff, Essien has no doubt about his former teammate’s leadership ability.
“He [Lampard] was one of the leaders [in the dressing room]. I didn’t really see that he would end up becoming a manager. Knowing Frank, he’s very quiet and calm and does his thing.”
If anything, Lampard has been anything but quiet on the sidelines. One only has to look at him having a go at Jurgen Klopp last season to know that.
It would seem that Lampard is adapting himself to the requirements of becoming the Chelsea boss. With a reinforced squad at his disposal, the Blues can hopefully go one further and land a trophy this time around.
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Chelsea have in recent weeks found their feet. The club is now playing a higher brand of football unlike the inconsistent theme that was prevalent earlier this season.
With the new signings looking more settled, there is hope that we can mount a serious title challenge this time around.