Frank Lampard has revealed that he is not surprised by Mauricio Pochettino’s challenging first season at Chelsea, emphasizing the need for gradual progress and acknowledging the difficulties faced by the team in transitioning under new management.
Taking temporary charge after Graham Potter’s departure at the end of the previous season, Lampard stepped in before Pochettino assumed the managerial reins in the summer.
However, Chelsea’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with the team currently languishing in ninth place in the Premier League and facing a tough battle to secure European qualification through the league.
Despite their league struggles, Pochettino’s Chelsea still have the opportunity to secure European football by winning the FA Cup.
Lampard, speaking to the BBC ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, expressed his understanding of the challenges faced by the club this season.
“I believe in gradual progress,” Lampard remarked. “This season has been about taking small steps forward. Given the squad composition, I’m not surprised.”
“A run of eight games without a loss or defeat builds confidence,” Lampard continued. “But you still see inconsistencies when they struggle to manage games in certain situations.”
Lampard pointed out the importance of key players like Cole Palmer, who has been instrumental for Chelsea, contributing significantly to their recent successes.
He highlighted the significance of momentum in football, citing Chelsea’s recent 6-0 victory as a positive sign despite the challenges they face.
The Blues made headlines recently for their dominant performance against Everton, scoring six goals without reply. However, an altercation over penalties involving Nicolas Jackson,
Noni Madueke, and Palmer raised some eyebrows. Ultimately, Palmer stepped up to convert the penalty, completing his hat-trick in the process.
Despite the recent resurgence, Lampard acknowledged the inevitable challenges that any new manager would face in a squad undergoing significant transformation.
With Chelsea experiencing frequent changes in managerial leadership in recent years, Lampard anticipated the difficulties associated with squad turnover and the need for stability and continuity.
As a Chelsea legend renowned for his midfield exploits during his playing career, Lampard’s insights offer valuable perspective on the club’s current situation and the challenges confronting Pochettino as he navigates his inaugural season in charge.
