Frank Lampard has said he will try to choose his next job carefully after beginning his managerial career by taking on challenging roles at Chelsea, Derby and Everton.
Lampard has lost six consecutive games since becoming Chelsea’s interim head coach and the 44-year-old will need to repair his reputation when he moves on at the end of the season. The numbers do not flatter him. Lampard, fired by Everton in January, will equal Daniel Farke’s record of 11 straight defeats in a single Premier League campaign if Chelsea lose at Bournemouth on Saturday.
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The former England midfielder’s return to Chelsea has not worked out. He faced financial challenges at Everton and Derby. Expectations were high during his first spell at Chelsea. It has left him pondering where would be the best fit for him to develop as a manager.
“I think this is a hard answer,” he said. “It could come out like I’m being ultra-selective and I think the reality is a lot of jobs are challenging at this level. It’s trying to find a project, a club, that is aligned with where you want to take the team and style and the club. When I came here I certainly took it on with a lot of heart and understanding that it was short term.
“But I don’t want to be an interim manager in my next job. I’d actually like to be able to work in something that feels like it has an opportunity to go the way I want it to go and I’m very aware of what that way is. I don’t want to sound too picky about it. Those challenges I’ve had have sometimes been big challenges but that’s what life’s about. I’m fortunate to say I’ve managed Chelsea twice. Everton are a huge club. Derby are a huge club. But maybe I will think in a different way when I move on.”
Bournemouth would go above Chelsea with a win but Lampard is not concerned about damage to his reputation. His team finish the season with games away to Manchester City and Manchester United and at home to Newcastle.
“You have to take things on your gut instinct,” he said. “My instinct was to come here and try and help. You have to accept that might not be a very easy ride. I’m aware of what our run-in is in the last three games of the season. Did I expect us to fly up the league? No. Did I think I could hopefully make some change that might be lasting change? Yes. I haven’t got regrets. I’m very happy to be here.”