To use a metaphor, Frank Lampard was appointed as a caretaker of a burning building this season. After things went wrong under Thomas Tuchel, they went really wrong under Graham Potter, and with the club in a terrible tailspin, Lampard accepted the hot potato.
He’s since been barracked with criticism – understandably given he’s won 1 of 9 games in charge, but perhaps also ignoring some of the context of the dire situation the club is in, with a bloated and disinterested squad, no good goalkeeper or striker, and nothing to play for.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag is just about the first person in months to praise some of Lampard’s managerial skills in his press conference before the two face off tonight:
“We know Frank Lampard always prepares his teams very well and we have seen that when we faced Everton twice. Also last weekend against Man City, he did a great job,” Ten Hag said in quotes picked up by the Manchester Evening News.
“I think when you saw the game, a draw was justified. He didn’t get it, but they played very well and we know we have to play our best level if we want to get the right result.”
Lampard said the same after the game and we agree. The fact that City had a disallowed goal changed perceptions a bit, but Chelsea hit the post and had the better chances in the game.
Of course it was City’s B team, but they’re still probably the second best team in the league…
