FRANK Lampard has declared that he will enjoy the ride on his return to Chelsea.
The former captain was named caretaker manager yesterday until the end of the season to replace Graham Potter, who was sacked last week.
The 44-year-old is in his second spell as manager after being in charge between 2019 and 2021, and he will be the fourth man to lead the club out this season.
Thomas Tuchel began the season but was replaced by Potter in September. Bruno Saltor took charge of one game post-Potter before Lampard’s appointment.
Chelsea legend Lampard said he could not refuse the opportunity to help a club so close to his heart after his 13-year spell as a Premier League andUEFA Champions League-winning Chelsea player.
“It’s a pretty easy decision for me. This is my club. I have a lot of emotions and feelings,” Lampard told a press conference yesterday.
“It was a surprise in terms of you never know what decision the club will make. There’s been a lot of change in the Premier League this season.
“It’s a big challenge, but aren’t they all? I have complete sympathy for all managers that lose jobs. I’m ready to put my work into this challenge and take it day by day.”
Chelsea have nine league games left this season, starting with tomorrow’s trip to Wolves.
They are also still in the Champions League, where they will battle holders Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Lampard, who scored 211 goals in 648 Chelsea appearances between 2001 and 2014, watched from the stands on Tuesday as a Chelsea side managed by Saltor were held to a 0-0 draw by Liverpool.
“I was there on Tuesday, it was the first time I’d been back since I left previously. It was an amazing buzz to be back at Stamford Bridge,” Lampard said.
“I’ve come with a belief I can come and help the cause until the end of the season. I’ll give my utmost to give the fans what they want until the end of the season.
“There’s a lot of talent in the squad. I’m excited to work with that talent and to help them.”
In his first spell, Lampard led Chelsea to the 2020 FA Cup final, in which they lost 2-1 to Arsenal, and he joined Everton after his sacking by the Blues.
Chelsea are currently 11th in the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of the top four, despite having spent more than £500 million on new players this season.
