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Tag: Frank Lampard

  • Frank Lampard appointed head coach of Coventry

    Frank Lampard appointed head coach of Coventry

    English Championship club Coventry has named former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard head coach of Championship club Coventry City in a two-and-a-half-year deal.

    Lampard 46), takes over from Mark Robins with the team sitting 17th in the championship, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

    Robins was sacked on November 7, 2024, after seven years as manager. This is the first managerial appointment by club owner Doug King since taking control in January 2023.

    Mark Robins joined Coventry City in 2017 and was sacked primarily due to a poor run of form, with Coventry City sitting 17th in the Championship table after a 2-1 home defeat to Derby County.

    Lampard’s new role with Coventry marks his fifth managerial position.

    His previous experience includes leading Derby County, Everton, and two separate spells managing Chelsea.

    Lampard has mostly worked in the media since his poor spell as interim Chelsea manager in May 2023.

    His first game in charge of Coventry City will be a home fixture against Cardiff City on Saturday.

    “I am delighted that Frank Lampard has agreed to join our club as head coach,” said Coventry owner King.

    “Frank cut his teeth in the championship and knows what is needed in this league to be successful.

    “His experiences thereafter at Chelsea and Everton will ensure he brings to our talented squad a clear understanding of exactly what is needed to succeed at the very top level that we as a club are striving to reach.”

    Frank Lampard comes from a footballing family. His father, Frank Lampard Sr., was a West Ham United legend and played as a left-back for England twice. Lampard is also the nephew of Harry Redknapp, another West Ham icon and former manager.

    Lampard’s professional journey began in October 1995 when he made his Football League debut on loan at Swansea City. A few months later, in January 1996, he played his first senior match for West Ham United as a 17-year-old in a game against Coventry City.

    His career skyrocketed after he transferred to Chelsea in July 2001 for £11 million. At Chelsea, Lampard became a club legend, making 649 of his total 904 career appearances. Over 13 years at Stamford Bridge, he won 11 major trophies and became Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer with 211 goals.

  • England job for Pep, Jurgen Klopp would be ‘boring’ – Fmr three Lions star warns

    England job for Pep, Jurgen Klopp would be ‘boring’ – Fmr three Lions star warns

    Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are seen as popular choices for the England manager position, but Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola would likely find the role “boring.”

    After England’s Euro final defeat to Spain, Gareth Southgate resigned as manager after nearly eight years. As the Football Association searches for his replacement, former England player Glen Johnson believes Gerrard and Lampard would be well-received by fans despite their lackluster managerial records.

    Klopp, formerly of Liverpool, and Manchester City’s Guardiola are considered top candidates, but Johnson thinks neither would be interested in leaving club football for the less frequent action of the international stage.

    The former Liverpool defender told Betfred: “I can’t really see either of them [Guardiola and Klopp] being England manager. Both of them wear their hearts on their sleeves, they’re super passionate and ultimately, I believe both of them may find the job a bit boring to be honest.

    It’s clear that they both enjoy the day to day work that comes with club management and that’s something they won’t get at international level.

    “It would obviously be quite a considerable jump for either of them [Lampard and Gerrard], as they’re early on in their managerial careers, but sometimes you’ve just got to roll the dice.

    I’m sure the players would love to have either of them managing them and sometimes you’ve just got to take the risk. If Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard was the England manager, then I believe the fans would love to see that.”

    Despite leading England to two Euros finals and a World Cup semi-final, Southgate decided to step down from his role.

    He has been the most successful England manager since Sir Alfred Ramsey, who led the team to their 1966 World Cup victory. Replacing Southgate and building on his achievements is a significant challenge.

    Among the managers favored to become the next England boss, four stand out as bookmakers’ favorites.

    Guardiola, whose contract with City expires in 2025, Gerrard, currently managing Al-Ettifaq, Klopp, who has stepped down as Liverpool manager, and Lampard, who is currently seeking a new position, are all in the running. It remains uncertain who will ultimately succeed Southgate.

  • Kobbie Mainoo the backbone of Man Utd now; Rodri, Casemiro weren’t this good at 18 – Frank Lampard

    Kobbie Mainoo the backbone of Man Utd now; Rodri, Casemiro weren’t this good at 18 – Frank Lampard

    Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard has showered praise on talented Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo.

    The England-born midfielder, of Ghanaian descent, has made a significant impact on the Red Devils’ team this season, solidifying his position as one of the most promising players globally.

    Lampard’s commendation extends to comparing Mainoo favourably to established midfielders Rodri and Casemiro at a similar age.

    The Chelsea legend asserts that Mainoo, despite his youth, surpasses the abilities of Rodri and Casemiro when they were at their stage of development.

    In Lampard’s view, Mainoo has evolved into the backbone of the Manchester United team, showcasing remarkable skill and maturity beyond his years.

    “I don’t think even Rodri or Casemiro were as good as he is at his age. He is the backbone of a club like Manchester United, as young as he is. I think he’ll outlive many big names,” Frank Lampard said.


    At 18 years old, Kobbie Mainoo has already featured for England in junior national team competitions. However, he retains eligibility to represent the Black Stars of Ghana on the international stage.

  • Frank Lampard shortlisted for Rangers managerial job

    Rangers are actively seeking a replacement for former manager Michael Beale, who was dismissed over the weekend.

    The club’s board, led by CEO and chairman John Bennett, is in the process of identifying potential candidates.

    One notable figure who was initially approached for the position was former Chelsea manager Graham Potter. However, it has been made clear that Potter has no intention of taking up the role in Scotland.

    Another former Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard, is being considered and is reportedly open to discussions with the club regarding the managerial position.

    Additionally, AZ Alkmaar’s head coach, Pascal Jansen, is in contention for the role, although potential complications may arise due to the compensation package required for his services.

    Among the candidates are two former Rangers players, Kevin Muscat and Derek McInnes.

    Muscat, who currently coaches Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, has minimal compensation concerns as his contract is set to expire in January.

    McInnes, currently at Kilmarnock, also poses no major compensation hurdles, despite previously declining an opportunity to manage the club in 2017.

  • No unity, huge squad – Lampard explains second spell failure at Chelsea

    No unity, huge squad – Lampard explains second spell failure at Chelsea

    Frank Lampard has hinted that he may be keeping an eye on social media, acknowledging the discussions surrounding his coaching career, particularly his second tenure at Chelsea.

    Following Graham Potter’s dismissal, Lampard returned to Chelsea in April as the interim manager until the season’s end. Fans expressed concerns about his reappointment, and it turns out their reservations were justified.

    Unfortunately, the team’s performance declined, resulting in a disappointing 12th place finish in the league. Additionally, they were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Real Madrid.

    The season concluded with just one victory in 11 matches, which was a 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

    Lampard explains second spell failure

    Chelsea fans are some of the funniest in the world. Their initial thoughts about Lampard’s first spell made them put all blame on their legend, but if a team has remained the same under four managers, questions should be asked of the players.

    “When I got there, I could just see the spirit and togetherness wasn’t there. It was nothing bad, it wasn’t bad to go through the week, but you have to train elite to be elite. You have to,” he said on Diary of a CEO Podcast.

    ”The biggest thing about it was the size of the squad. The motivation of players who you’re not going to not play… it’s like asking someone to do all the prep and then have someone else actually do the job.”

    However, it is no longer Frank’s problem; it is Mauricio Pochettino‘s, and the Argentine already began downsizing the squad with a clear plan, as detailed by The Athletic.

    Lampard’s message to Mount

    Sports Brief reported that Lampard sent a message to Mason Mount after the midfielder left Chelsea and joined rivals Manchester United, a decision which still angers the fans.

    The 44-year-old gave the academy star his debut and admits he would have loved to see him continue at Chelsea, but has no doubt he will add something to the Red Devils.

  • Michael Essien chooses Frank Lampard as best player he has ever played with

    Michael Essien chooses Frank Lampard as best player he has ever played with


    Michael Essien, the former Ghanaian international and Chelsea star, has chosen his former teammate Frank Lampard as the best player he has ever played alongside.

    Essien and Lampard shared the pitch during their time at Chelsea, where they achieved notable success, including winning the UEFA Champions League, the Premier League title, the FA Cup, the Community Shield, and the Football League Cup.

    Essien joined Chelsea in 2005 after transferring from Olympique Marseille, while Lampard had joined the club from West Ham in 2001. Both players departed Chelsea at the conclusion of the 2013/2014 season.

    Throughout their time together, they formed a formidable partnership on the field, leading Essien to regard Lampard as the finest player he has had the privilege of playing alongside.

    According to Essien, he played with a lot and loved all his teammates, but his midfield partner Lampard is the best of them all.

    “Everybody is my teammate. I love all my teammates; I mean it’s hard to choose. But I would go for Frank Lampard. I mean, being a midfielder that scores a lot of goals every season is quite amazing”, he told Goal Africa.

    Essien. 40, had a successful playing career which saw him play for top European teams such as Bastia, Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Panathinaikos, Persib Bandung and Sabail where he ended his playing career

    Currently, he is attached to Danish club Nordsjaelland, where he works as an assistant coach.

  • Lampard cautions Pochettino after he landed Chelsea job

    Lampard cautions Pochettino after he landed Chelsea job

    Frank Lampard has issued a strong warning to Mauricio Pochettino following the Argentine’s appointment as the new manager of Chelsea.

    Pochettino was officially announced as the permanent boss on Monday, May 29, taking over from Graham Potter, who was sacked in February.

    Lampard had taken the reins of the west London club in an interim capacity after Potter’s dismissal.

    However, the legendary midfielder struggled to achieve positive results during his tenure, securing only one victory in the 12 matches he oversaw.

    The disappointing run came to a close with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on the final day of the season.

    According to Metro UK, the Stamford Bridge dwellers were only able to rack up just 44 points throughout the entire season, their lowest points tally in Premier League history.

    Lampard sends message to Pochettino

    Lampard has now broken his silence following Pochettino’s appointment to the Chelsea role.

    While the ex-Everton boss endorsed the appointment, he warned Pochettino that ‘there is a lot of work to be done’ at Chelsea.

    The former England international further revealed that he believes standards have dropped in the dressing room.

    “I’m a big fan of Pochettino as a manager, he’s a very good manager but it’s not about which individual it might be, it’s about getting the right, high-level of manager,” Lampard said via Football London.

    “Pochettino’s history tells you he works with clubs at this sort of level. Then let them get to work with the players to try and create a solid identity in a team that can win more games. Those things are not always overnight things. We have to be careful with expectations a little bit,” he added.

    Chelsea to sign Felix permanently?

    Sports Brief previously reported that Chelsea could sign Felix in a player-swap deal.

    Felix was a mainstay figure during Graham Potter’s stint at the club, but has played a less prominent role since the arrival of Frank Lampard, who took charge as the caretaker boss after Potter was sacked.

    Recent reports suggest Chelsea are keen to have Felix continue at the club beyond this summer.

  • A stay or leave? Do well in next 3 games, new coach is watching – Lampard to Chelsea

    A stay or leave? Do well in next 3 games, new coach is watching – Lampard to Chelsea

    Frank Lampard has seemingly confirmed what has been widely speculated – the imminent appointment of a new permanent coach at Chelsea, believed to be former Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino.

    As an interim manager, Lampard, a club legend, has only three Premier League matches remaining before concluding his tenure, overseeing Chelsea’s disappointing season that is destined for a bottom-half finish – their worst in years.

    Lampard becomes the fourth manager to take charge of the Stamford Bridge dugout this season, following the tenures of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Bruno Saltor, who managed the game against Liverpool.

    According to The Athletic, Lampard will collaborate with Pochettino and the sporting directors to ease the transition and set the team on track for next season.

    Lampard’s message to Chelsea players

    Chelsea have a bloated squad with over thirty first team members, and there will be a mass exodus at the end of the season regardless of who comes in as the manager.

    Some of those departing are already confirmed, while others have their futures depending on the final words of the incoming manager, which is why Lampard has warned them.

    “If you want to stay at Chelsea and you want to impress the new manager, show it in these next three games because, for sure, he will be watching,” he told Football Daily.

    Priority positions Pochettino must address

    Sports Brief listed four priority positions Pochettino must address as new Chelsea boss in his first transfer window.

    A mass exodus is planned, and a few incomings must be added for a balanced squad. He has to resolve the goalkeeping conundrum in his first days.

    The defensive midfielder role needs a signing; the attacking midfield needs a decision, while the striker needs a decision or a signing, depending on Romelu Lukaku.

  • Lampard said nearly got ‘goal machine’ Haaland to Chelsea

    Lampard said nearly got ‘goal machine’ Haaland to Chelsea

    Frank Lampard has revealed he tried to sign Erling Haaland for Chelsea during his first spell as the manager at Stamford Bridge.

    The Manchester City striker came up against Lampard’s team in a pre-season friendly in 2019 while he was playing for RB Salzburg in Austria.

    He scored 28 goals in 22 matches that season before signing for Borussia Dortmund the following summer, but Lampard said he attempted to bring him.

    Lampard nearly signed Haaland for Chelsea during his first stay at Chelsea

    Ultimately competition for the Norway international’s signature, together with the fact not everybody at Chelsea was convinced that a bid for Haaland would have been the right move, meant that Lampard was left frustrated.

    His 36 Premier League goals for title-chasing City this season mean he has scored as many times in the league as the entire Chelsea squad have, with the two teams meeting at the Etihad on Sunday as City look for the victory they need to seal the title.

    Chelsea by contrast remain in the bottom half of the table, with their struggles in front of goal this season having shown no sign of easing in recent weeks.

    “I’ve got huge respect for him as a player, he’s a player I tried to bring to Chelsea the first time I was here,” said Lampard. “I was really keen to get him here but obviously that couldn’t happen. His level at that point was very clear, we played against him in a pre-season game for Salzburg.

    “Credit to him, I love seeing players of that level, I love seeing players of that personality and hunger to play and be the best which he’s proved himself to be. In terms of having to deal with him you have to have obviously a plan and an idea, but players of that level can make anything happen at any moment.

    “I think he’s special, I thought he’d adapt straight away just (because of) his level. I think with the level of players and his record of scoring, firstly in Austria then for his country and in the Bundesliga – which is not an easy league – to come into a really good unit already.

    “The rest is just credit to himself and the team around him. I did expect that, it’s not just an easy hindsight answer, I’ve got real respect for the player.

    Lampard during a post match conference

    “I don’t know whether he would have decided to come here anyway but I was a big fan. There are some of those that happen that people don’t know about that could have been this way, people talk a lot about mistakes and the things that could have been in football.

    “Whether he would have come I don’t know, but I was pushing big, and for a couple of other players as well. But he was the outstanding one.

    “From our point I was pushing it, I’m not sure what the appetite everywhere else in the club was to do it. The competition was big to take him because he was an outstanding player. I think there was a buyout clause at the time which I think was relatively reasonable given the player (he joined Dortmund for around £17million). I don’t have enough detail to say how close it was.”

    Lampard has two matches left of his interim spell in charge, with Manchester United at Old Trafford and Newcastle at Stamford Bridge to come after City.

    He has won only once during his eight games in the job, a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth earlier in May, with six defeats having come in that time including a Champions League exit to Real Madrid.

    Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be confirmed as the permanent successor to Graham Potter, who was sacked on April 2, in the coming days, and he will have a huge rebuild on his hands after a disastrous season for the club.

    Mauricio Pochettino

    Despite the poor form, Lampard said he has no regrets about agreeing to take over in the short-term from Potter.

    “I have enjoyed it, I get asked it a lot,” he said. “You want to always get results but you have to be realistic in football.  When I came into this, the Champions League dream that everyone talked to me about, (saying) it’s been done before, can we do it again?

    “The realistic answer was we were where we were in the league for a reason. Our view was to try and beat Real Madrid then possible City to get to a final. In terms of the rest of the job, it’s been how many small wins can I try and impact behind the scenes. You can’t always impact results.

    “Generally there’s a lot of work to do here. I can have a certain impact with certain individuals within the group because I have a big feeling for the club.”

  • Finally a win for Chelsea as Lampard’s loosing spree ends with 3-1 win against Bournemouth

    Finally a win for Chelsea as Lampard’s loosing spree ends with 3-1 win against Bournemouth

    Frank Lampard celebrated his 100th game in Premier League management with a victory as Chelsea defeated Bournemouth 3-1.

    Despite conceding an equalizer from Matias Vina after Conor Gallagher’s early goal, the Blues secured their first win in almost two months with two late goals from Benoit Badiashile and Joao Felix, ending their six-game losing streak under interim manager Lampard.

    Bournemouth also had the better of the chances before the late drama, with Dango Ouattara squandering a golden opening by heading over from inside the six-yard box.

    Yet Badiashile and Felix punished that profligacy, leaving visiting fans to salute the overdue triumph with ironic chants of “we are staying up”.

    Victory in Dorset moved the two-time European champions on to 42 points, three ahead of their hosts, albeit they remain in the bottom half of the table.

    For Lampard personally, it was a first victory in 17 matches including his Everton days and his first with Chelsea in 832 days dating back to a 3-1 FA Cup success over Luton in January 2021 during his initial spell as manager.

    The former Blues and England midfielder opted for five changes following Tuesday’s tame 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling among those dropped, while the Cherries were unchanged from the 4-1 thrashing of Leeds.

    Gary O’Neil’s in-form hosts began brighter but after Jefferson Lerma, who scored twice last weekend, curled narrowly wide, Chelsea snatched a ninth-minute lead.

    Trevoh Chalobah’s pass afforded N’Golo Kante time and space to deliver an inviting cross from the right wing and recalled midfielder Gallagher beat Adam Smith to the ball to divert a simple, close-range header beyond goalkeeper Neto.

    Chelsea supporters responded to the early breakthrough with self-deprecating chants about avoiding relegation and “we’ve scored a goal” after seeing their side net for only the third time in nine outings.

    Yet they were not ahead for long.

    Uruguay left-back Vina claimed the 21st-minute equaliser, delightfully curling home via the right post from just inside the Blues’ 18-yard box following slick interplay involving Ryan Christie and Dominic Solanke.

    The Roma loanee’s eye-catching leveller prompted calls of “sign him up” from home supporters, in addition to light-hearted taunts of “you’re going down with the scummers” directed at the away end and referencing local rivals Southampton.

    While Chelsea have endured a torrid season under their American owners, Bournemouth have gone from strength to strength since Texas businessman Bill Foley completed his takeover in December.

    O’Neil’s men, who won six of their previous nine fixtures to banish relegation fears, remained relatively comfortable for the rest of the half, with Chelsea short of ideas and looking toothless in attack.

    The away team continued to monopolise the ball following the restart but the lack of creativity persisted.

    At the other end, Badiashile turned behind Ouattara’s dangerous low cross while lively winger Christie rippled the side-netting.

    Lampard, who suffered league and Carabao Cup defeats on this ground with Everton earlier this season, then saw his side survive a VAR check for a possible penalty when Thiago Silva slid in on Solanke before Vina was denied a second when his shot was pushed wide by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

    Ouattara should have given Bournemouth the lead 11 minutes from time when he somehow nodded over unmarked after Lerma headed a Lewis Cook corner back across goal.

    That miss proved pivotal as Chelsea grabbed the three points with quick-fire goals in the closing stages.

    Former Monaco defender Badiashile restored the Blues’ advantage in the 82nd minute, connecting with Hakim Ziyech’s searching free-kick into the box to volley beyond Neto and claim his first goal for the club.

    Belated joy for Lampard was secured four minutes later as Felix put the result beyond doubt with a first-time finish after fellow substitute Sterling burst into the box and slipped the ball to his right.

  • Chelsea supporters depart Stamford Bridge after the Blues’ 5th demoralizing loss

    Chelsea supporters depart Stamford Bridge after the Blues’ 5th demoralizing loss

    Before the final whistle of Chelsea’s Wednesday night Premier League match against Brentford, several Chelsea supporters were seen departing Stamford Bridge.

    Having lost four straight games under Frank Lampard, the Blues were eager to pick up their first win of the season when they played the Bees.

    However, the 2021 Champions League winners went on to put on another terrible display at home as Lampard earned his fifth straight loss since he returned as caretaker manager.

    The hosts appeared to be in control of the early exchanges before Brentford took the lead in the 37th-minute, courtesy of Cesar Azpilicueta’s own goal.

    According to the Evening Standard, the visitors dented Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback after Bryan Mbeumo doubled the advantage with 12 minutes left on the clock.

    Chelsea fans spotted leaving stadium

    Unsurprisingly, a number of Chelsea fans were unable to watch the remainder of the match and were spotted leaving Stamford Bridge before the full-time whistle.

    The Sun reports the Blues faithful vacated the stadium with 13 minutes left, a clear indication of their disappointment following a disastrous campaign this season across all competitions.

    Their defeat at the hands of Brentford leaves Chelsea occupying 11th place, with little to no hope of playing in Europe next season.

    Lampard’s men will be hoping to make amends next Tuesday when they take on London rivals, Arsenal, who have also hit a rough patch in recent days.

    Lampard defenders infuriated Chelsea fans

    Sports Brief also reported on club legend and caretaker manager, Lampard defending fans booing players after a fifth successive loss to Brentford on Wednesday.

    Azpilicueta’s own-goal and Mbeumo’s late strike condemned the Blues to their latest demoralising loss since the sacking of Graham Potter earlier in the year.

  • Joao Felix: ‘He will be well received’ at Atletico – Club president

    Joao Felix: ‘He will be well received’ at Atletico – Club president

    If Chelsea chooses not to pursue a long-term transfer for the forward, Enrique Cerezo, club president, says Atletico Madrid will be happy to have Joao Felix return.

    Mid-season transfer action at Stamford Bridge included the loan signing of Joao Felix to Chelsea in January.

    The Portuguese international, though, has only scored twice in 11 Premier League games to this far, and Frank Lampard has decided to keep him on the bench for Chelsea’s last two contests.

    While Joao Felix endured a strained relationship with Atletico boss Diego Simeone before departing on loan, Los Colchoneros will find a place for him if he returns to the club next season.

    Asked about the forward’s future, Cerezo told Cadena SER: “You can’t anticipate things, everything is yet to be seen. Chelsea are a big team that can count on him. 

    “If he comes back, he will be well received, if he returns. Nothing can ever be ruled out in football, you can’t take anything for granted.”

    Atletico are two points behind second-placed Real Madrid in LaLiga after winning six successive league games, but Cerezo does not believe their improved form can be attributed to Joao Felix’s exit.

    “The circumstances of each team are different,” he said. “Joao was under a lot of pressure, he’s a star, but here he hasn’t had the luck to show it. 

    “He’s going to be a great player, and not in the very distant future.”

  • Julian Nagelsmann: Chelsea’s next coach? Girlfriend hints

    Julian Nagelsmann: Chelsea’s next coach? Girlfriend hints

    If the most recent hint from Julian Nagelsmann’s spouse is any clue, the search for Chelsea’s next head coach may be ended.

    Once Graham Potter was fired two weeks ago, Nagelsmann has been widely considered the favourite to become Chelsea’s new manager.

    The club’s board hired Frank Lampard as a temporary replacement while conducting a thorough search for a long-term replacement. According to numerous publications, Nagelsmann and former Spain manager Luis Enrique made a good impression during the initial stages of negotiations.

    However, as the Telegraph’s Matt Law reported, Enrique will no longer be a candidate for the West London job, with transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano adding that former Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino was a late entrant in the race.

    Naglesmann’s girlfriend

    But as the Sun reports, speculation is growing that Chelsea’s co-directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart will settle on Nagelsmann as the new boss. The former Bayern Munich boss’s girlfriend, Lena Wurzenberger, is yet to start in her new role.

    Wurzenberger was supposed to start working for BMW on April 1st, but she is yet to report to work giving fodder to the rumours that she is keen on moving to London should her boyfriend get the Stamford Bridge job.

    She is said to have gotten the job while Nagelsmann was still at Bayern, but he was sacked a few days later.

    The 35-year-old will have a lot on his plate should he get the job in the summer. Chelsea are poised to finish outside European places after a catastrophic season that saw the arrival of many new players with nothing to show for.

    What Chelsea needs to do in the summer

    Sports Brief had earlier reported that A brace from Rodrygo Goes on April 18 all but confirmed Chelsea’s exit from the UEFA Champions League. They might have put in a better performance than last weeks, but there was nothing they could do as Real Madrid marched to an eleventh semi-final in 13 years.

    The Blues are now set to sit out of European football until at least 2025. Perhaps it is what the club needs. After a period of turmoil occasioned by a change in owners and the subsequent hiring and firing of managers, Chelsea will need time to set their house in order.

    First, they should not gamble with whoever they choose as the new manager on a long-term basis.

  • ‘We are not good’ and it is tough’ – Chelsea’s loanee Denis Zakaria admits

    ‘We are not good’ and it is tough’ – Chelsea’s loanee Denis Zakaria admits

    Denis Zakaria has acknowledged Chelsea’s terrible performance against Brighton in the Premier League and said he felt horrible for the supporters.

    Denis Zakaria expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance during the 2-1 loss to Brighton on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

    The player also revealed that interim coach Frank Lampard had given the team some direct feedback following the defeat, but he declined to say what was said.

    He also warned the Blues that they did need to play a lot better if they want to come back from a 2-0 deficit against Real Madrid from the first leg to qualify for the Champions League semi-final.

    “Yes, I think it is good [that Lampard is honest] because we need more. We are not good. It is tough. It is difficult and we feel bad for the fans because we cannot play like that. It is tough and we have to do better. It is hard.

    “We are now going to do everything we can to come through the game against Real Madrid and win this game. We will give everything until the end.”

    The Swiss midfielder, who joined Chelsea on loan from Juventus in the summer, has appeared in just 11 matches for the club thus far. He featured in the club’s starting lineup against Brighton for the first time since January.

    The Blues are winless in their last six matches in all competitions and are on a three-match losing streak at the moment.

  • Ancelotti ‘sad’ over current state of former club Chelsea

    Ancelotti ‘sad’ over current state of former club Chelsea

    A little less than two weeks ago, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly made the call to legendary Blues player Frank Lampard, asking him to return and try to right the ship.

    It might have been Carlo Ancelotti speaking to the American in a different reality.

    Ancelotti, who will be playing for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal second leg match on Tuesday, will instead return to the Stamford Bridge dugout simply as an adversary.

    It was Madrid president Florentino Perez who brought the Italian back for a second stint at the helm, after Zinedine Zidane walked away again in 2021.

    Ancelotti’s Madrid picked off the Blues in the first game, carving out a 2-0 lead through Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio, and they could have added further goals as they controlled proceedings.

    At the other end former Chelsea duo Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger made important saves and blocks to leave Lampard’s side empty-handed.

    Ancelotti’s return to Chelsea evokes warm memories of one of the finest ever Premier League sides, which he led to the club’s first ever league and FA Cup double in 2010, halcyon days in stark contrast to the Blues’ recent slump.

    The Italian’s Chelsea side featured big characters including Didier Drogba, John Terry, Michael Ballack and Lampard himself, and they racked up 7-0, 7-1 and 8-0 triumphs at the Bridge as they strolled to domestic glory.

    Chelsea’s current hodgepodge of players lacks both the leadership and quality of that group, as was laid painfully bare in their defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu last week.

    “I am sad, yes,” said Ancelotti before that clash. “I have a fantastic memory of this club, of the people that are still working there.

    “I’m a supporter of Chelsea, of course, because I spent two really nice years there.

    “I think and I hope Lampard will be able to do a fantastic job with them.”

    It was a generous line from Ancelotti, but the Italian will hope his coach is nowhere near as magnanimous on Tuesday under the lights in London.

    Ancelotti was let go by then-owner Roman Abramovich in 2011, ending his brief but memorable two-season spell in charge.

    Safe hands

    Madrid are aiming to win a record-extending 15th Champions League, defending the title after their triumph over Liverpool last season, and looked streets ahead of the 2021 victors in the Spanish capital.

    Despite not being first choice — or second, or third — for the job, Ancelotti was chosen as a safe pair of hands and also helped Madrid lift La Liga last season too.

    Like Zidane before him, is showing excellent man management is a vital skill for Los Blancos coaches — although not the only one, as he was at pains to point out.

    “I am ‘fantastic’ at managing but there are other things, because this team is well-trained,” said Ancelotti before the first leg.

    “If we win the Copa del Rey, we will have won every title possible in two years and there are teams who won’t win that in their whole lives.”

    Ancelotti has kept squad players like Dani Ceballos, Nacho Fernandez and Asensio both hungry and helpful, with the latter netting again at Cadiz at the weekend. Most of them, anyway.

    Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has remained a fringe presence and his former fans will hope not to see him on Tuesday –- if the Belgian appears, it will mean Madrid have clinched progression and the key players are getting rested.

    “The door is open and it’s up to us to kick it open further,” said Lampard after the first leg defeat, angling for a comeback.

    It will be music to Ancelotti’s ears, with his team so lethal on the break against desperate sides and the coach wise enough to play to their strengths.

    The 63-year-old has lifted the trophy six times, twice as a player, and four times in the dug-out, recently observing he is approaching his 1,300th game as a coach.

    His experience and stability are in stark contrast to Chelsea’s haphazard project, and on Tuesday they may help him highlight chasms where he once left silverware and memories.

  • Lampard defends ‘top player’ Mount despite having a though season

    Lampard defends ‘top player’ Mount despite having a though season

    Frank Lampard jumped to Mason Mount’s defence, insisting the Chelsea midfielder is “already a top player” despite a frustrating season.

    The England international enjoyed a thoroughly productive 2021-22 campaign with the Blues, scoring 13 goals and providing 16 assists under Thomas Tuchel.

    However, inconsistent form and injury problems have prevented the 24-year-old from kicking on this term, netting just three times while registering six assists in 33 appearances.

    But Lampard is fully behind Mount. He took the player on loan to Derby County during the 2018-19 season before handing him his Chelsea debut the following campaign.

    And the Blues’ caretaker boss cannot understand the criticism aimed at the academy graduate.

    “I’m not going to tell anyone about what opinion they should have on football,” Lampard said ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.

    “But if anyone thinks Mason Mount is not already a top-level player then I’m not sure what they’re seeing in my opinion.

    “Form is one thing people can debate. These players are getting debated more with social media than they did in my career.

    “But from working with Mason – you can ask myself, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter – he’s clearly a top player.”

    Lampard added: “He’s had his comeback from a small injury problem. It may be a little process over the next game or two to get Mason where we really want him to be, but he’s a top player and has a big affiliation with the club.

    “One thing I know about Mason is that a top player should have a real hunger to succeed and do well for Chelsea. He’s had that since the first day I took him to Derby.

    “It’s simple for me. He’s still a young player. He’ll go even further, but he’s already a top player.”

  • English Pundit advises Chelsea to choose Lampard over hiring Nagelsmann

    English Pundit advises Chelsea to choose Lampard over hiring Nagelsmann

    An English pundit has suggested Chelsea should stick with Frank Lampard if they choose former Bayern Munich manager, Julian Nagelsmann as their manager.

    Graham Potter was fired and his assistant, Bruno Saltor, who oversaw the 0-0 draw against Liverpool, declined the appointment. 

    He was replaced as interim manager until the end of the season by the Blues veteran and former coach.

    With the hasty firing of Thomas Tuchel after only a few games of the new season, Todd Boehly and company are attempting to avoid making the same mistake with Potter.

    The club invited former Barcelona boss, Luis Enrique to London last week for an interview and this week have invited Nagelsmann to do the same, according to German newspaper, Bild.

    Keys advises Chelsea against Nagelsmann

    Lampard has lost his first two games in charge, a 1-0 loss to Wolves in the Premier League and a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, leading to calls from fans to hasten the appointment of a new manager.

    Sportskeeda reported that the former RB Leipzig boss is the favourite and has the backing of technical director, Christopher Vivell and co-sporting director, Paul Winstanley.

    However, English TV anchor, Richard Keys is critical of the possible appointment of 35-year-old Nagelsmann, claiming Lampard should be retained ahead of bringing the German on-boardif the German tactician is the club’s choice in the future.

    Fans want Lampard sacked

    Potter was not a popular figure among Chelsea fans but despite being a club legend, Lampard is also gradually losing his popularity among the Blues faithful.

    As Sports Brief reported, fans called for Lampard’s sack after losing his first game 1-0 to Wolves thanks to a brilliant volley from Matheus Nunes past Kepathat beat Kepa Arrizabalaga.

  • Bad start for Lampard’s return as Chelsea losses to Wolves

    Bad start for Lampard’s return as Chelsea losses to Wolves

    Wolverhampton Wanderers’ hard-fought victory helped allay their relegation concerns, while Frank Lampard lost on his return to the Chelsea bench.

    Upon his appointment as interim head coach at Molineux 18 months after being fired from the position, Chelsea great Lampard was met with an enthusiastic ovation by the visiting supporters.

    Yet the club’s all-time record scorer was unable to stop the poor form that led to Graham Potter’s sacking as mid-table Chelsea slumped to an 11th top-flight defeat of the season after failing to score for the third successive game.

    Wolves were on the front-foot throughout and deserved their win which came after a sweet finish by Matheus Nunes, the Portugal midfielder’s first goal for the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon last August.

    Nunes, who cost a club record £38m, beat Kepa Arrizabalaga with a fierce attempt from the tightest of angles after an attempted headed clearance by Kalidou Koulibaly.

    Joao Felix forced a save from Jose Sa but Chelsea were disappointing and remain 11th after just two wins in 11 league games.

  • Frank Lampard’s return, a sure Chelsea win of Champions League – supporters

    Frank Lampard’s return, a sure Chelsea win of Champions League – supporters

    Frank Lampard’s return to the club has some Chelsea supporters believing he can lead their team to the Champions League this year.

    Thursday, April 6, saw Lampard take over as Chelsea’s interim manager, replacing the recently fired Graham Potter.

    Less than two years had passed since the Englishman left the west London club and Thomas Tuchel took over as manager.

    As quoted by Chelsea’s official website, Lampard expressed his delight upon reuniting with the Blues, with the legendary midfielder disclosing he did not think twice when Chelsea came calling.

    “It was an easy decision for me because this is my club,” Lampard declared.

    Chelsea fans react to Lampard’s return

    According to Sportbible, a number of Chelsea fans were quick to take to social media to react to the news of Lampard’s return, with some claiming the club had made a logical appointment.

    Others went on to suggest that Lampard could actually steer the club to Champions League glory.

    One reckoned: “Frank Lampard back at Chelsea Champions League is in our sights.”

    A second tweeted: “Imagine Lampard wins the Champions League with Chelsea.” Another admitted: “If Frank Lampard wins Chelsea the Champions League I swear that’ll be an unrivalled life moment. The mere thought alone is flabbergasting!”

    Another posted: “Only upside I can see is that it would be truly poetic if Lampard can with the Champions League as player and manager for Chelsea, dreaming is free.”

    Lampard joins an exclusive list Sports Brief reported that Lampard joined an exclusive list of managers to have managed the club more than once with his re-appointment as the caretaker.

    Jose Mourinho was the first to manage the club twice.

    He laid the foundation for success under Roman Abramovich during his first spell between 2004-2007 and returned between 2013-2015.

    Famous interim Guus Hiddink managed twice and won the FA Cup in his first spell, while Roberto Di Matteo technically managed twice, winning the UEFA Champions League as interim.

  • Lampard not looking anywhere past interim manager role

    Lampard not looking anywhere past interim manager role

    After making a spectacular comeback to the Chelsea bench, Frank Lampard insisted that he is only thinking about the current results and not beyond the conclusion of his interim tenure with the club.

    After Graham Potter was fired earlier this month, the Blues rehired their great midfielder and former manager on an interim basis.

    Lampard’s comeback may also serve as a fantastical tryout for the position he previously held on a long-term basis as Todd Boehly intensifies his search for a long-term replacement.

    However, the 44-year-old insists he is not getting ahead of himself following his return.

    “I’m a very practical person,” he said. “To come back in a time where the club has asked me, I’m delighted to get the opportunity, and I’m thankful for that.

    “I think the role speaks for itself, in the period that I’m here. I’m not getting anywhere ahead of myself. I want to do the best that I can in the best possible way.”

    Lampard was dismissed in 2021 and had to watch on as his successor Thomas Tuchel guided his squad to Champions League success.

    He refused to mull the poetry of him succeeding Potter with a European quarter-final against Real Madrid on the horizon, but acknowledged he is relishing the test.

    “It’s certainly a chance,” he added. “I’m not naive, Real Madrid is a huge football club. My job is to go step-by-step.

    “But of course having played a part in coaching in the Champions League, I’m excited to be fighting in that competition again.

    “I want to say credit to Graham Potter. Sometimes, for whatever reason, things don’t align. I’ve been in that situation.

    “[But] in terms of unfinished business, I don’t quite see it like that. Unfinished business sounds a little bit Hollywood. I want to work, and I want to help this club as much as I can.”

    Lampard would not be drawn on the future of Mason Mount either amid questions over the England international’s place at Stamford Bridge.

    However, he was glowing in his assessment of the midfielder, who he helped nurture at both Derby and Chelsea in separate spells.

    “I don’t know enough about it for me to talk about it,” he added. “Mason has always been a fantastic player for me, from my days at Derby.

    “It has been a pleasure watching him. I know he’s had a few slight injury problems, but I know what I get from Mason. I think he’s a huge player for Chelsea.”

  • Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea ‘laughable’ to supporters

    Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea ‘laughable’ to supporters

    As the owner approaches a year after its takeover, the whirlwind at Chelsea under the control of Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital consortium continues.

    The majority of the judgements made since the takeover have been perfect, but one bad choice has resulted in a chain reaction of poor choices that have cost money and time.

    The decision to fire Champions League champion Thomas Tuchel and replace him with Graham Potter has disastrously backfired.

    Potter is gone in seven months, and the search for another manager begins.

    Athletic UK reports that the club have reached an agreement with club legend and former manager Frank Lampard as caretaker manager until the end of the season.

    This was done to allow more time to carry out the exhaustive search for a new manager, with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann leading contenders for the job, according to Evening Standard.

    Fans’ reaction to Lampard’s return

    Lampard was manager between July 2019 and January 2021.

    He achieved the top four in his first season despite the transfer ban, but after spending over £200m in his second season, he failed and was sacked mid-season.

    Since then, he has gone to Everton and has been sacked again, which has left fans unimpressed by his return, even as a caretaker until the end of the season.

    @CFCDUBois wrote: ”First mistake was sacking Tuchel. Second mistake was delaying sacking Potter when he was out of his depth for ages. Now hiring Lampard after he showed he was out of his depth. ‘Vibes’ isn’t the best way to approach a UCL QF. 1% chance 99% faith.”

    @CFCMod_ wrote: ”Frank Lampard in 2023, just one normal day at this club is all I ask for man, he will be our manager till the end of the season, this is laughable.”

    @gyaigyimii wrote: ”Who did I offend to be getting this. From Tuchel leaving to Potter and now back to Lampard. I’m sorry” While the majority of the fans are against the appointment, a few others welcomed the idea of having him until the end of the season, as it is a better option than Bruno Saltor, who has hinted he did not want to stay.

    Tuchel wanted Chelsea return

    Sports Brief reported that Tuchel hinted he could return to Chelsea if his successor Potter had been sacked before he took over at Bayern Munich. The German’s comment on Potter’s sacking communicates this assertion, and it is a move Chelsea fans would have wanted.

  • Chelsea fans tease as Frank Lampard as he is spotted at Stamford Bridge

    Chelsea fans tease as Frank Lampard as he is spotted at Stamford Bridge

    The sixth consecutive draw between Chelsea and Liverpool was much more entertaining than the first leg, which was a very dull game.

    After Graham Potter was fired as manager, Bruno Saltor took over as team leader for the first time. The team struggled with many of the same issues, including failing to convert chances.

    As the hunt for a new manager heats up, it’s unclear if Saltor will be in charge for the weekend match against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium.

    Club legend and former manager, Frank Lampard was in attendance at Stamford Bridge last night, the first time since his departure from the club in 2021, as reported by Football London.

    This comes amid news, as reported by Telegraph UK, that the club have officially made contact with axed Bayern Munich boss, Julian Nagelsmann and former Spain manager, Luis Enrique.

    Fans react to Lampard’s attendance

    Lampard was beloved at Stamford Bridge during his playing days. He finished his career at the club being the all-time top scorer with 211 goals, but his managerial stint did not end well.

    However, fans were happy to see their legend, with many insinuating he could return to the post he left in 2021.

    @FPLPhilly wrote: ”He’s surely not going to luck himself into another Premier League team is he???”

    @timzim9 wrote: ”Haha trying to get back into the bosses good books” @mayor_n tweeted: ”Aah incoming manager assessing the team”.

    The Sun UK exclusively reports that the club are considering hiring Lampard as a caretaker manager until the end of the season, to allow for more time in their managerial search.

    Why Havertz’s goal was disallowed

    Kai Havertz was one of Lampard’s signings. He had a goal disallowed against Liverpool due to a contentious rule, Sports Brief has also reported.

    The Blues forward received a pass from the returning N’Golo Kante, before chipping the ball over the head of the Reds goalkeeper, Alisson Becker.

    However, despite the ball finding the back of the net, Havertz’s goal was ultimately disallowed after the referee consulted with the VAR official.

  • Next Everton manager: Five candidates to replace Frank Lampard

    Next Everton manager: Five candidates to replace Frank Lampard

    Frank Lampard has been axed by Everton with the Merseyside outfit embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle.

    The Toffees are one of six teams never to have suffered the drop since the 1992 rebrand but face a desperate struggle to maintain that record.

    They are still regarded as a big club despite sitting two points from safety in 19th place and there will be plenty of bosses willing to take the risk in the hope of pulling off a great escape.

    We take a look at five candidates as Goodison Park chiefs search for Lampard’s replacement ahead of Arsenal’s visit on Saturday, February 4.

    Marcelo Bielsa won many plaudits for his swashbuckling style of play at Leeds. 

    The Argentine tactician, 67, would bring plenty of excitement and pedigree to the role and has experience fighting relegation in the Premier League. 

    He was axed from his post at Elland Road after failing to stem the flow of goals against his side, which makes him a risk.

    But Everton’s record of 15 strikes in 20 top-flight games is their main issue and Bielsa may have the answers.

    Sean Dyche

    Frank Lampard could not turn around Everton's season
    Frank Lampard could not turn around Everton’s season

    Sean Dyche is another short-odds pick to take over on Merseyside thanks to his stellar record with Burnley.

    He guided the Clarets to the Premier League twice in just under a decade at the club but was sacked in April 2022 with his side four points behind Everton in the relegation zone.

    With a reputation for disciplined teams that are hard to break down, Dyche’s football may not appeal to some fans.

    But it is hard to argue with his results and the Englishman, 51, may be exactly what is needed in a dogfight.

    Duncan Ferguson

    Duncan Ferguson is familiar with the corridors of Goodison Park
    Duncan Ferguson is familiar with the corridors of Goodison Park

    Club legend Duncan Ferguson is a much-loved character on the blue side of Liverpool.

    The notorious hardman played over 250 games for the Toffees, as well as two spells as caretaker boss, and handed the reins over to Lampard in January 2022.

    Ferguson, 51, left his coaching role at Goodison in July to pursue managerial ambitions and could return to the familiar dugout for his first permanent role.

    Wayne Rooney

    Wayne Rooney has been managing in MLS with DC United
    Wayne Rooney has been managing in MLS with DC United

    An Everton icon, Wayne Rooney’s arrival would be warmly welcomed by fans.

    The managerial rookie, 37, has cut his teeth in roles with Derby and current club DC United, who he took over in July.

    But after going down a similar route with Lampard, the Toffees may decide to opt for more experience this time around.

    David Moyes

    David Moyes would bring a wealth of Premier League experience to Everton
    David Moyes would bring a wealth of Premier League experience to Everton

    Everton have not been the same club since steely Scot David Moyes left for Manchester United in 2013.

    Boasting an impressive resume in English football, Moyes is currently facing a fight to keep his job at West Ham.

    Trading one relegation battle for another would be an unusual move but do not rule it out.

  • Everton sacks Lampard after West Ham defeat

    Everton sacks Lampard after West Ham defeat

    After Saturday’s defeat at West Ham extended their miserable run of nine losses in 12 Premier League games, Everton fired manager Frank Lampard.

    With the Toffees tied for last place in the Premier League and with a goal differential keeping them above Southampton, Lampard, 44, leaves Goodison Park less than a year after taking on the position.

    In an odd turn of events, national newspaper reporters began covering the story on Monday at midday, but the club itself didn’t issue a comment until late in the day, which infuriated Evertonians on social media.

    The Everton board, who have been the target of angry fans at the poor state of the Merseyside club, finally snapped after the team lost 2-0 on the road at struggling West Ham.

    Former England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, who led his team to a spirited 1-1 draw against reigning champions Manchester City on New Year’s Eve, will no longer hold the hot seat at Goodison.

    The three-time Premier League champion departed Derby in July 2019 to take the helm at Chelsea, where he served until January 2021 when Thomas Tuchel took over.

    Meanwhile, Everton will now start looking for their eighth permanent manager in seven years.

    A club statement read: “Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months.

    “Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the Club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.

    “The Club has started the process to secure a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course. Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed.”

    Next up for the Toffees is a daunting encounter with league leaders Arsenal on February 4.

  • Lampard takes responsibility for Everton struggles

    Lampard takes responsibility for Everton struggles

    In an effort to secure a significant victory for Everton that would lessen the burden on his position, Frank Lampard declared that he had “given it everything” there.

    In a crucial matchup at the bottom of the Premier League on Saturday, Everton will take on West Ham, another struggling team led by former longtime Toffees manager David Moyes, with both teams tied on 15 points.

    Everton, who has dropped seven of its last ten games in all competitions and hasn’t won since October, may move up a spot with a victory.

    However, Southampton would enter a two-week break atop the table if they lost at the London Stadium and Aston Villa avoided a loss.

    Farhad Moshiri, the owner of Everton, has supported Lampard, but he and the club’s board are coming under further scrutiny.

    The Chelsea legend is not searching for an explanation as to why the Toffees haven’t bought a player in January despite their manager’s acknowledgement that they want to strengthen their lineup.

    “That’s a tough one. I’ve absolutely given it everything that I can and it’s not one for me to analyse all the circumstances,” Lampard told reporters when he was asked if he would feel he had been able to fulfil the role to the best of his ability should he be sacked.

    Asked if he felt Everton’s issues with recruitment were restricting him, Lampard added: “I can’t answer that question and I don’t want to answer in a way.

    “I’ve been given an opportunity to work at a great club. I had one of the most amazing nights of my footballing career against Crystal Palace [last season], learned a lot about myself, about coaching, about living in this area.

    “I’ve got my own opinions on those things obviously but I also had an understanding of what the job was, the size of the club, all the positive things and then some things that were maybe going to be taxing.

    “Some things I can’t control on that front so I just work. Part of the responsibility of the job is to keep certain things private and keep working out of respect.”

    Everton are reportedly close to signing forward Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal, and Lampard reiterated he hopes to add fresh faces to his squad.

    “You want to help the squad and that [new players] would help me as a coach, no doubt,” he said. “None of us, as coaches, are geniuses.

    “Some are probably closer to being geniuses than others but we are not absolute geniuses. And recruitment to get players is generally what will help you have relative success.

    “Until that point, there is a responsibility to work with what you have got. There is also my own capacity – can I get better? Can they get better? We have to focus on what we have got here.”

    Everton’s loss to Southampton last week was further marred by the fact that the club’s four-person board did not attend the game due to safety concerns.

    It was subsequently claimed, through club sources, that chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale had been manhandled after a 4-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on January 3.

    Merseyside Police confirmed no complaints had been filed by the club but they were working with Everton to ensure any threats were dealt with.

    On Friday, the HerGameToo campaign announced they had been in contact with Everton over fears of the safety of female fans at Goodison Park.

    A statement from the campaign confirmed Everton had provided reassurances that “robust procedures and reporting processes” were in place.

  • Moves for reported Chelsea forward targets Gordon and Zaha ruled out

    Neither Anthony Gordon nor Wilfried Zaha will be on the move ahead of the transfer deadline, according to their respective managers.

    Gordon and Zaha have each been linked with transfers to Chelsea, who are continuing to spend big before the window closes on Thursday.

    However, both players played and netted in the Premier League on Tuesday Gordon opening the scoring in Everton’s 1-1 draw at Leeds United, as Zaha did likewise as Crystal Palace were held by Brentford.

    And after their respective matches, Everton manager Frank Lampard and Palace boss Patrick Vieira spoke with certainty on the futures of their key men.

    “Anthony is too important a player,” Lampard said. “He has showed his worth in the last two games; it is too late [in the window].

    “He is going to be special. In the bigger picture, he has an affiliation with the fans. It is a process can we build around that?

    “The interest in him is because he is a top player, and why we are so keen to keep him, you saw the reasons why in the last two games. He is our player.”

    Vieira added: “I didn’t even put that [the possibility of Zaha leaving] in my head. I didn’t even ask myself that question.

    “I’m working with him every day and there is no doubt, there is nothing crossing my mind that something like that will happen.”

    Source: Livescore

  • Chelsea haven’t bid £60m for Gordon – Lampard

    Everton manager Frank Lampard has once again clarified that Chelsea have made no official official move to have Anthony Gordon.

    It was earlier reported that Chelsea have made a £60million bid for Anthony Gordon.

    But according to Lampard, “They haven’t bid £60m, so let’s not talk about a number that’s not there.”

    Lampard said at a press conference on Friday ahead of the Premier League clash against Brentford.

    He indicated that Everton are pleased with Gordon’s output and plan to continue working with him in future.

    “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with fantastic young players in my time with Derby, in my time with Chelsea, seeing them develop, now becoming internationals with England, Champions League winners, worth triple-digit figures in their personal values. Anthony is in that bracket. He’s been a pleasure to work with and he’s ours, an Everton boy, he plays for us, the crowd relate to him,” explained.

    He is of the position that due to the 21-year-old’s efficiency, most clubs are ready to engage him.

    Nonetheless, Lampard noted that as it stands now, Gordon plays for Everton.

    “He’s our player and remains so. He’s in the squad for tomorrow. He’s a huge player for us. I said it last week, not only is he a big value for the club, if you want to talk financially, but more importantly for me he is a big value to the squad and the team,” he added.

  • Lampard insists Gordon is ‘our player’ amid Chelsea interest

    Everton manager Frank Lampard has stated that nothing has changed on the future of Anthony Gordon amid strong links of a move away from Goodison Park.

    It has been reported that Chelsea could be ready to pay up to £60million to take the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge, while Tottenham and Newcastle United have also apparently been interested.

    After the departure of last season’s top goalscorer Richarlison to Spurs and the injury to striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, it has fallen on Gordon to lead the line at the start of this campaign.

    Gordon started on the bench for Everton’s EFL cup game with Fleetwood Town on Tuesday and Lampard opted not to bring him in on in the 1-0 victory, amid rumours that Chelsea are preparing a new bid having reportedly already seen multiple offers exceeding £40m rejected by Everton.

    But Lampard says that nothing has changed yet, telling talkSPORT: “He’s our player and the latest is the same as what I said after the game against Nottingham Forest.

    “He’s our player and he’s got three years left on his contract. We’re aware of the interest of Chelsea as the world is now.

    “This situation has to be right for Everton Football Club and for me as the coach of the team so we’re in the same position that we were a few days ago.”

    Source:livescore.com

  • Lampard says Chelsea have striking options if Abraham ruled out

    Frank Lampard says Chelsea can cope without leading scorer Tammy Abraham after the England striker suffered an ankle injury scare in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with 10-man Arsenal.

    Abraham hobbled off the Stamford Bridge turf at full-time as Chelsea failed to capitalise on old boy David Luiz’s red card, thwarted by Hector Bellerin’s late equaliser.

    Cesar Azpilicueta thought he had scrambled Chelsea to victory with a neat finish only to see Bellerin steal a share of the spoils, after Gabriel Martinelli’s breakaway goal had cancelled out Jorginho’s penalty.

    Read:Mourinho taught me how to bond with young players Lampard

    Abraham has 13 Premier League goals for Chelsea in his breakthrough top-flight campaign with the Blues but boss Lampard was adamant his side could cope even if the England star faces a spell on the sidelines.

    Lampard said after the match that Abraham had had ice on his ankle but he was unaware of the severity of the injury.

    When asked if Chelsea could cope without Abraham, Lampard said: “Yes, yes, and we have the players there to do that.

    “I hope he’s not (out for several weeks) but then if he is, then yes we do have the players.”

    Chelsea boss Lampard refused to dampen down links with Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani on Monday, and injury to Abraham could increase the Blues’ need to recruit a striker in the January transfer window.

    Read:Chelsea must be at their best at the Mestalla against Valencia Tammy Abraham

    Olivier Giroud reportedly wants to join Inter Milan to link back up with ex-Blues boss Antonio Conte, while Chelsea also have Michy Batshuayi as their other frontline striker.

    Lampard reiterated that the club are more likely to look at loan deals than permanent transfers this month, as he plots his long-term strategy.

    “I know and I feel where we need strengthening,” he said. “It’s not going to be just January, this is more of a short-term window for us.

    “This season has given us some answers on the pitch in where we need to improve. But that’s not so much for this window.”

    Source: France24