Can Lampard make the transition from a top-class player to a top-class manager?

The appointment of Frank Lampard by Chelsea over the summer was certainly no surprise but raised a few eyebrows in some respects. Having been in management for just over a year at Derby County, being installed at one of the Premier League top clubs is certainly something all English and young managers would aspire too. 

The question now is can Lampard make the transition from a top-class player to a top-class manager?

There is divided opinion on how this appointment will pan out. Experience of man-managing world class and top drawer players is not on his side and many believe this will contribute to a short stay at Stamford Bridge given the nature of Roman Abramovich’s happy trigger finger, especially if results leave the Blues struggling to make up ground on the top four.

On the other side of the coin, Lampard is one of Chelsea’s favourite sons and the fans will take to him on the touchline the same as they did when he graced the Bridge turf. Ultimately, it’s a results business and while their supporters might accept this is a re-building process for the club, they won’t accept for long being under-achievers. For all his faults, Maurizio Sari led the club to a third placed finish last season despite his style and player struggles undermining things all season.

Also in Lampard’s favour is the transfer ban which has prevented them from signing anyone over the summer and will also be the same in January.  Without being able to sign the players he would want to fit the system of play effectively gives him a free pass for the season to see if he can mould the players already at the club, although after just two games murmurs are already surfacing, but with his hands tied behind his back in the transfer market Lampard can only make the best use of what is available to him.

Some would say with forty odd players having returned from loan spells in the summer there are enough players at Stamford Bridge but it’s unsure how much quality is there for a club of Chelsea’s size. 

Having these things in his favour should give Lampard the time to hone his skills at the top level, but much depends on what Abramovich has set for targets this season knowing there’s little either he or Lampard can do to affect their finishing position in terms of bringing in reinforcements.

Lampard though will be well aware of what is expected at Chelsea, but also conscious of the short life span of a Premier League manager if success doesn’t follow, if he is half as successful as a manager as he was playing for the Blues then a transfer ban might make no difference at all, but time will ultimately tell.

Follow Trevor on Twitter @trevk37


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