Frank Lampard Could Become Chelsea's Permanent Manager If He Impresses In Caretaker Role

Frank Lampard has refused to rule out the possibility of becoming Chelsea's permanent manager if he proves to be a hit between now and the end of the season.

The 44-year-old was brought in as caretaker manager on Thursday, four days after Graham Potter had been fired.

Lampard was himself fired by Chelsea as recently as January 2021 when former owner Roman Abramovich brought an end to his previous 84-game stint in charge.

His return to Stamford Bridge was orchestrated by new chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly.

Many see Boehly's decision to rehire club legend Lampard as a PR exercise to take the heat off the owners as they search for a long-term replacement for Potter.

But it is not uncommon for caretakers who impress to be offered the chance to stay on in a more permanent capacity. 

Lampard was asked in a press conference on Thursday if he had been explicitly told that he would not be offered the chance to stay beyond the end of the season.

"No," he replied. "But the role speaks for itself on that. I'm not getting ahead of myself.

"I want to do the best I can to impact the club in this period and we will see what happens afterwards."

Frank Lampard pictured in 2021 towards the end of his first spell as Chelsea manager

IMAGO/PA Images/Andy Rain

He added: "This is Chelsea Football Club. We don't want to be in 11th position.

"For me it's not about unfinished business. That sounds a bit Hollywood. I just want to work and help the club as much as I can."

The last time a Chelsea manager went from being the caretaker to the real deal was in 2012 when Roberto Di Matteo was rewarded for winning the Champions League.

Chelsea will face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League this season.