Frank Lampard was on Match of the Day 2 last night, covering a variety of games but getting the chance to speak at length about Chelsea and the club’s recent struggles.
A big win against Wolves last week allowed everyone to dream for a second that we had turned the corner – but subsequent results against Servette in the Conference League and Crystal Palace yesterday have reminded us all of how far we have to go.
Lampard spoke of his spell returning as caretaker manager 18 months ago and confirmed just what we had feared – that the takeover of the club had eroded a lot of the winning culture and environment built up over the preceding decades:
“I was there 18 months ago, and at that point it was at a really low point from my point of view because it didn’t feel like the club that had been very successful for 20 years and a lot of that was sort of environment, and getting things right,” the club legend explained.
“I feel like they’re on the curve on the way up. But there will be good days and bad days, I think, because of the squad, but I think there is a lot of talent and if they can keep improving, especially at the top end of the pitch, they can give teams a lot of problems.”
Chelsea “on the way up” – but not quickly
Since Lampard’s spell, things have been even more extreme. Further experience has been stripped away and replaced by youth and talent. The result is the sort of team and game we see at the weekend – plenty of excitement and potential, but not much grit or leadership.
It will be a real test of Enzo Maresca’s skills to see if he is able to forge this team into something more solid.