LAMPARD: BRITISH BOSSES ARE THRIVING
Frank Lampard hopes the resurgence of British managers in the premier League will inspire another generation of homegrown footballers to pursue careers in coaching. Sam allardyce’s appointment at West Bromwich means 11 of the 20 clubs in the top flight are managed by Brits, including Lampard at Chelsea and david moyes at West Ham, today’s visitors to Stamford Bridge. most are lurking in the bottom half but it is a significant increase since ralph Hasenhuttl replaced mark Hughes at Southampton two years ago and reduced the number to five. ‘In the modern world, I don’t think it matters where you’re from,’ said Lampard. ‘But it is nice that this is the premier League here in England and we are seeing some British managers coming through and doing very well. I know there will be a lot of hard work behind that. and if that can inspire younger managers, or players who want to try to become managers, that is a great thing. Sam allardyce and david moyes have been doing well for years.’ Lampard’s generation are beginning to show their capabilities, with Steven Gerrard at rangers and Scott parker at
Fulham. Wayne rooney is sampling the role in a caretaker capacity at derby, in the Championship. Lampard’s work at the Bridge has been impressive, securing a place in the Champions League despite a transfer ban and developing the team this season with an influx of six signings. Equally, the progress made by moyes in his second spell at West Ham has caught the eye. They sit a point behind Chelsea and the 57-year-old has restored his reputation after difficult spells at manchester United, Sunderland and real Sociedad. But Lampard insists moyes had nothing to prove. ‘The clubs he’s managed are top clubs,’ he said. ‘What he’s doing at West Ham is the job of a top manager. The observations of others who think he needs to redeem himself don’t matter. I don’t see it that way. There’s nothing for him to redeem.’ reece James is unlikely to figure tonight because of a knee injury, but team-mate Timo Werner is desperate to show his qualities after admitting he underestimated the challenge of the premier League. The £53million striker has gone eight games without a goal and believes the schedule is taking its toll. ‘It’s tougher than I thought,’ he said. ‘The contact is harder than in Germany; it’s what I expected but not like this. It’s also hard when you play every three days and the Champions League and internationals. You play on Saturday against teams who can rest the whole week and think only about the game against you. ‘The beginning was very good, now after a lot of games I’m struggling a little bit.’