The Allianz Arena in Munich clinched the attention of football enthusiasts all over the world on the 19th of May, 2012 where Chelsea beat Bayern Munich in a Penalty Shootout to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time. The trophy electrified London on that night with Chelsea fans experiencing a new kind of sensation. Instrumental to that glory is Chelsea’s leading highest Goal Scorer, Frank Lampard (rtd).
Considered as one of the best Midfielders to ever play professional Football, Frank Lampard was a lethal force with the ball on his feet. He scored goals, created incredible chances for his teammates, and generally controlled the midfield.
However, Lampard left Chelsea as a player after a 13 years spell in 2014. But he couldn’t just stay out of Chelsea. In 2019, the Chelsea Boss, Roman Abramovich, called Lampard, who has begun his Managerial career at Derby County, to become the tactical genius of Chelsea.
Devoted Chelsea fans across the globe were excited to have Frank Lampard back in the Club, which gave him support on and off the pitch. His first season as Chelsea’s Coach was trophyless but he managed to qualify the Blues for the Champions League and reach the F.A cup final.
But Frank Lampard was hungry for trophies. To satisfy his hunger, he made the club bring in 7 new players, and 4 of which (Ziyech, Werner, Havertz, Thiago Silva) were already outstanding world-class footballers. Chelsea is now 3rd on the Premier League Table and 1st in their Champions League Group and has qualified for the next round.
Chelsea has only conceded 1 goal in the Champions League this season and has registered 13. This is a variation from last season where Chelsea conceded 9 goals in the group stage. This is testament to Lampard’s tactical ingenuity this season—He not only revamped Chelsea’s attack but also solidified Chelsea’s defense and created a balance.
But with the rumors of Giroud, Chelsea’s leading scorer in the Champions League (5) this season, leaving in January would Lampard’s side continue to find the back of the net. Giroud, the former Arsenal target man, is presently the third option for a Centre Forward for Lampard but the Frenchman isn’t satisfied with that and wants more playtime. If Lampard is serious about winning the Champions League, then he may have to reconsider his attacking options.
With this form, Lampard’s side seems strong enough to take on the other stronger teams in the coming rounds. And Lampard may just be the first Chelsea man to win the Champions League both as a player and a manager with the same team.
