Chelsea boss Frank Lampard ready to prove himself again - ‘I don’t want favours’
FRANK LAMPARD admits he must prove himself all over again to the Chelsea fans – and he wants no favours as he embarks on the biggest challenge of his career.
Posted Friday, July 05, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard ready to prove himself again - 'I don't want favours'
Chelsea's all-time record goalscorer returned yesterday as their new manager on a three year deal but under no illusions about the toughest job in football – and insisted that his legendary reputation with the fans from now on counts for nothing.
The 41 year old remembered: "Coming here 19 years ago as a player was a challenge. I remember driving home and I had the radio on. People were questioning whether I should be here for £11 million.
"I worked really hard to put that right as a player and now I am in a position where I have to work really hard to be successful as a manager here.
"I don't want credit for my playing career. That will last five minutes, it should, because I should be judged on what I do here now and going forward.
"My playing career is done. Great memories and great challenges along the way, and I always loved a challenge. But I feel that hunger to prove myself even more."
But Lampard, unveiled yesterday at Stamford Bridge Lampard, was adamant that he does not warrant any special treatment from the club's hierarchy as he starts life as the 10th different full-time manager to serve under Roman Abramovich.
Champions League football is a minimum requirement, despite him just having one year's experience of the job with Derby. Lampard admitted it was a 'risk' taking the job.
He will be joined by former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris as his number two, and Chris Jones, another ex-Chelsea man, as first-team coach.
Lampard said: "I don't want favours. That is not the way I work.
"I know this club and how it works. I have to prove that. Simple as that. People will question that, but I am ready. I believe in myself completely. I want players to 'feel' the club. You should feel privileged to be here.
"We are a club that has managed to be top four, winning titles. I know the club. I understand what is expected."
Lampard will turn to the club's youngsters, partly due to the Fifa transfer ban they are under, but also because he believes in youth.
But, he said: "They have to show they are good enough. We can't lower our levels. This is Chelsea.
"I am not going to be doing young boys any favours and putting them in the team."
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