Win this and it’s massive
DUO NEED TROPHY
THE stakes couldn’t be higher for rival bosses Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard tonight.
Man United and Chelsea will add another fascinating chapter to their simmering rivalry when they meet at Wembley in the second FA Cup semi-final.
The stage feels a fitting one, even without supporters, for these two giants of English football to lock horns once again in a game that appears too tight to call.
But what we do know is that whoever emerges triumphant, it could go on to become a defining win in the blossoming managerial careers of Solskjaer and Lampard.
Neither of them will make the shortlist for ‘Manager of the Year’ this season. This accolade appears to be a straight fight between Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Chris Wilder.
But this should not detract from the impressive jobs both Solskjaer and Lampard are doing. United are currently on an unbeaten run of 19 games in all competitions and within touching distance of a top-four finish in the Premier League and return to the Champions League.
Solskjaer is back at the wheel again, with United heading in a positive direction.
He has also led United to the latter stages of the Europa League, while moulding a team capable of such attacking brilliance that the front three of Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have scored more goals between them this season than their Liverpool counterparts.
Lampard, meanwhile, has led the Blues to third in the table, despite starting the season with a transfer ban and star player Eden Hazard sold to Real Madrid.
Both managers remain desperate to secure a Champions League place, but the value to their confidence and belief of winning the FA Cup would be immeasurable.
Solskjaer and Lampard had glittering playing careers but have still to lift a first piece of silverware as managers. It feels like most of the pressure is on Lampard.
His side have lost to United three times this season and revenge will be in the air.
But United expect to win trophies. And Solskjaer – like Lampard – will know opportunities might not be as frequent as in the past, considering the dominance of Liverpool and Man City.
Lampard is only 42 while Solskjaer is 47. Both might appear to have time on their side, but the sign of a great manager is one who is ruthless and knows how to win the games that count most.
It wasn’t too long ago that the oldest competition in club football was being ridiculed. The suggestion was that the big clubs didn’t care about it too much.
Try telling this to Solskjaer and Lampard.