Man Utd legend Paul Scholes thinks the return of N’Golo Kante is the “one thing” that can turn Frank Lampard’s return at Chelsea into a success.
The Blues took a lot of people by surprise last week, including us, when they announced the return of Lampard as caretaker manager.
Lampard replaces Graham Potter, who was sacked 206 days into the job, with Chelsea winning just four of their last 19 Premier League matches under the former Brighton manager.
It is Lampard’s second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge after being sacked 18 months into the job in January 2021 with Chelsea sitting ninth in the Premier League.
And Scholes admits he was “a bit surprised” that Chelsea had decided hire Lampard – who lost his first match in charge against Wolves on Saturday – until the end of the season after he was also sacked at Everton earlier this season.
“I was a bit surprised [by Lampard’s return], especially with the way it ended at Chelsea,” Scholes told BT Sport. “His Everton time didn’t go great but you can’t blame Frank, he’s got to take this opportunity.
“There was quite a similar situation with Ole Gunner [Solskjaer]. Ole had a lot more time though to prove himself.
“By the end of the season, they had to give it him whereas now there’s only 10 league games and the Champions League to go, but I think Frank is capable of doing it.
“One thing that’s good for Frank is they have got N’Golo Kante back. He’s only played two games but makes a huge difference to the team. If they can get goals, Chelsea have got a chance.”
Lampard’s former Chelsea team-mate thinks the decision to appoint Lampard “makes perfect sense” and thinks he will “galvanise” the club despite their 1-0 defeat to Wolves on Saturday,
Cole added: “It makes perfect sense for me. First of all I’m disappointed for Graham Potter, he held himself in great dignity throughout his time at Chelsea – a very, very difficult job he had.
“I always err on the side of giving managers time but once the decision was made to let him go, it made perfect sense for Frank. I’m absolutely delighted for him, he’s going to really galvanise the club.”
Chelsea face a daunting trip to Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Lampard is expecting a reaction to their defeat to Wolves at the Bernabeu.
Lampard said: “If you are worried don’t come. The players shouldn’t be. I’m not saying the squad doesn’t have that aggression, it’s just…
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