Frank Lampard has taken aim at Chelsea chief Todd Boehly, suggesting that the mess going on behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge are primarily responsible for recent losses on the pitch, including their 3-1 humiliation by Arsenal yesterday.
Lampard came back to Stamford Bridge to play the role of caretaker manager to Chelsea last month, taking over from the sacked Graham Potter.
Since his return, Chelsea have lost each and every game that they have played. This has led to many pointing the finger at the newly-appointed Frank Lampard junior, but the ex-midfielder has another theory.
Lampard himself has suggested that the turmoil that the Blues are facing on the pitch is a direct result of the chaos that is going on behind the scenes during what has been one of their worst-performing seasons to date.
Lampard said in an interview with Sky Sports “Chelsea has been a big success for 20 years but at the moment we aren’t in that position. In the time I’ve been here it’s clear to see behind the scenes, on the training ground, the reasons why. If you’re going to be a nice team to play against all the time it doesn’t matter where you go. That won’t change overnight but we better get there quickly”
Lampard’s comments came after Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal side pulled Chelsea apart 3-1 at the Emirates yesterday. The Gunners were 3-0 in just over half an hour thanks to a spectacular brace from Martin Ødegaard, complimented by a Gabriel Jesus finish.
WHAT A STRIKE! 🚀
Martin Ødegaard gives Arsenal an early lead with this brilliant finish pic.twitter.com/uflmJJxMmO
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2023
ODEGAARD AGAIN! 🔴
The Xhaka x Odegaard combination strikes again to double Arsenal's lead ⚽ pic.twitter.com/IX6lxhRYld
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2023
Despite earning a consolation goal through Noni Madueke in the 65th minute, Chelsea never looked likely to get themselves back into the game, leaving fans (and staff) somewhat unsure about the club’s near future.
Maduake’s goal is only the second goal to be scored under Lampard’s reign and the first one scored by the Blues in over 300 minutes. The loss has also dropped them down to 12th in the Premier League, with the risk of 13th place if they fail to get past a reinvigorated Bournemouth side at the weekend.
Madueke's first goal for Chelsea! 🔷
Pinpoint from Kovacic 🎯 pic.twitter.com/x9OH6cR5mm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 2, 2023
For perspective, the club’s worst ever performing season in the Premier League saw them finish in 14th place with a measly 51 points. It is worth noting that this particular season was played over 42 games instead of the regular 38, with it being the league’s inaugural season containing 22 teams.
Boehly and the Chelsea hierarchy are reportedly working as hard as they can to secure a permanent manager for their side, as well as focusing on strengthening their squad in the upcoming Summer transfer window. Fans can only hope that they produce some kind of organisation as quickly as possible!
