Lampard admits being a club legend is no guarantee of success as coach
Chelsea stalwart knows he, Arteta and Solskjaer will be judged on their long-term effect, writes Jeremy Wilson
There can be few better illustrations of the trend towards the “club legend” managerial appointment than the fact that it is only five years since Frank Lampard and Mikel Arteta were last in action on the same pitch. They appeared in a 2-2 draw at the Emirates between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sept 13, 2014, and, while hugely admired midfielders, you would have had long odds on them each rising so rapidly to two of the most coveted managerial appointments in Europe.
Does it make any sense? Does it offer any long-time benefit? Lampard probably delivered the most realistic answer to that second question in the aftermath of Chelsea’s limp Boxing Day defeat against Southampton, which triggered a fan exodus at Stamford Bridge before the end and the first audible groans of his tenure.
“I’m not sure if you look at it across the board,” he said. “I certainly found that it helps with knowing some faces behind the scenes, knowing the values, what the standards are and what the wants are. I think that can help probably in the early stages. I think after that it probably levels out and your work is your work.”
And, so, the honeymoon does not last forever? “No, it doesn’t and it shouldn’t. But I’m sure fans will have a feeling for Arteta and want him to do well as being one of their own.”
That analysis of short-term benefit followed by colder long-term realities has applied so far at Manchester United to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, even if his status as a legendary former player has surely also ensured a rather more patient response.
Lampard can expect comparable understanding and, although a recent run of five defeats in seven league games is an increasing cause of concern, his wider work has been impressive. Young players, such as Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount, have thrived, Chelsea remain well placed to finish in the Premier League’s top four and they are in the last 16 of the Champions League. All that and they sold their best player during the summer and, with a £150million transfer budget, January will be the first month following their transfer ban in which Lampard can augment his squad. Arteta’s situation is different. While a popular former Arsenal captain, he does not have the playing status of Lampard and this is also his first managerial job. Arteta’s range of experience, though, should be beneficial. As Arsenal captain under Arsene Wenger, he saw at first-hand the demands of supporters who could turn on a beloved club figure even amid top-four finishes and several FA Cup wins. At City, he would also have witnessed under Pep Guardiola a drive for perfection that has reframed a coaching culture.
Lampard does not accept that inexperience is an issue, but he knows that there is a difference between being the manager and an assistant.
“He has worked under one of the greatest, if not the greatest [manager], for a couple of years,” said Lampard. “I think you don’t know until you take the chance with somebody. Who’s to say a manger is better or worse if they are in their first or 50th year of management? He was a very good player – intelligent, technical. Seemed to be a leader, not a fist-pumping kind, but a leader in whatever teams he was playing in.
“I think the years he’s had working with Guardiola puts him in great stead. I don’t think the question mark will be that. I think it will be purely on Arteta, the quality of him, and can he get Arsenal to the position they want to be in? Now it’s his turn to make those decisions himself.”
One such early managerial decision for Lampard surrounded David Luiz and allowing his former team-mate to join Arsenal. The emergence of Fikayo Tomori, as well as Arsenal’s own ongoing defensive frailty, has helped to justify that call. Does he feel pleased with how it has worked out?
“It was a decision that was made and, while I am here, I will be making countless more. I wish David well. He was part of a Champions Leaguewinning team, played with half a hamstring in the final. I will always respect that, and he moves on.”
It is what Chelsea must do now after what was a third defeat and failure to score at home in the space of just five weeks. An away fixture today perhaps even feels welcome, as will the opening of the transfer window next week.
Lampard is now very much immersed in his first big test as Chelsea head coach. The chance also to cancel Arteta’s Arsenal honeymoon awaits.
‘If he is willing to learn and work hard, I am sure he has the potential to reach the top’