BOLO ZENDEN has just two words for the doubters, who claim that, at the age of 41, the Chelsea manager’s job has come too soon for Frank Lampard.
They are “Pep” and “Guardiola”. Guardiola was only 37 when he took over at Barcelona in 2008, yet he still led the Catalan club through one of its most trophy-laden eras.
Granted, the players he had to work with – including Lionel Messi,
Xavi and Andres Iniesta – were a different class to those Lampard has inherited at Chelsea.
But Zenden, who joined the Blues from Barca in 2001 – the same year Lampard arrived at Stamford Bridge from West Ham – insists his old teammate is ready for the job and that he can be a success.
The Dutchman, who was assistant to Rafa Benitez during his spell as interim manager in the 2012- 13 season, said: “I know Frank did very well at Derby County, so it was a good time for him to go to Chelsea.
“Guardiola was only young when he was appointed at Barcelona, so I don’t see why this is any different.
“He can do well, he is a clever guy and earned his stripes as a player. Who knows how it will go? But he is bright and deserves a chance.”
Club legend Lamps is the first British manager appointed during Roman Abramovich’s 16-year ownership of the club.
And alongside him in the dugout are two more former players, in Jody Morris and Eddie Newton, as well as former fitness coach Chris Jones, who only left Chelsea a year ago to join Lampard in the East Midlands, and academy guru Joe Edwards.
All of them know the club inside out, which is hugely important given the number of academy players in the first-team squad this season.
Ruben Loftus Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who looks set to sign a new deal, will be joined by Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham after their successful loans to Derby and Aston Villa.
And, with big-name players such as David Luiz, N’Golo Kante and Willian still at the club, there is a vibrancy about the squad, despite star man Eden Hazard’s exit.
The fact expectations are lower this season because of the transfer ban will help Lampard. Only Christian Pulisic and Matteo Kovacic, who spent last season on loan from Real Madrid, have been added to the squad as deals for the pair were in place before their ban started.
But there will still be enough pressure on him after Maurizio Sarri led Chelsea to third in the Premier League and Europa League glory.
Another positive for fans is the return of former No.1 Petr Cech, appointed as technical and performance adviser.
Of Lampard, Cech said: “He has everything going for him to be successful.”
HOTSEAT Lamps is at right age, says Zenden SEAN DYCHE is in profit in the transfer market – but the Burnley boss will go into the new season delighted there were no raids for the Clarets’ most-prized assets.
Burnley were bracing themselves for interest in teenage England Under-21 winger Dwight McNeil (above).
And there was also a worry that Harry Maguire’s departure from Leicester would trigger a domino effect that would see defender James Tarkowski targeted.
Keeper Tom Heaton has departed for Aston Villa – meaning Joe Hart will now play a big part in Dyche’s plans this year.
Heaton’s £8million fee has more than covered the £6m investment to bring back striker Jay Rodriguez and full-back Erik Pieters.
And Dyche said: “If nothing else happens, I think we will be going into the new season with a balanced squad.
“If we can find quality at the right price, then NORWICH CITY have resisted the temptation to go for broke – and boss Daniel Farke is not complaining.
The German (above) oversaw a stunning rise into the Premier League last term – losing just once in the league since the New Year.
Bitten financially by past excesses, Norwich have refused to throw money at the opportunity that has presented itself.
And Farke appears comfortable with the decisions from above.
He said: “We didn’t want to risk everything for one or two big transfers.
“We could have said we are investing in players, not facilities, but one or two more players would not guarantee our targets.
“I’m pretty pleased with the work done. We will now try to get the best from these lads in the season ahead.”
Norwich’s work has been conservative.
we will look to do it.
“There are certain things we can try to push, but there are no guarantees. That is the model of our club.”
Last term was something of a reality check, with Burnley embroiled in a brief relegation scare before rallying to finish in 15th place.
It is a sign of the progress the Clarets have made under Dyche that McNeil is happy to continue his football education at Turf Moor.
Tarkowski and keeper Nick Pope remain in the thinking of England boss Gareth Southgate and 19-year-old McNeil will also be targeting a senior call-up after winning Young Lions recognition.
Former England keeper Hart also looked to be on his way – with interest from Portugal and the US – but Heaton’s departure means Pope will start the new season as No.1.
Hart is next in line, despite the arrival of Northern Ireland keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, 22, from Leeds.
Patrick Roberts has joined on loan from Manchester City for the season. Striker Josep Drmic has been added from Borussia Moenchengladbach.
Sam Byram gets a second nibble at the Premier League after moving from West Ham and keeper Ralf Fahrmann is another loanee, from Schalke.
The Canaries are installed as favourites for a quick return to the Championship, but Farke is defiant – and driven.
He said: “We did something historic. It doesn’t make sense right now to sit in a chair and enjoy it – we can do that when we retire.
“You need to find the energy and motivation to climb the next mountain.
“I tell the lads that, at 17 or 18, you think you can play for your whole life. In reality, it’s just a few seasons when you are fighting for something really special.
“After your career you can have 50 or 60 years on the sofa.”