Inexperienced Frank Lampard running out of time at Chelsea

James Maddison's interview revealed why Leicester moved top after a 2-0 win over Chelsea and why their opponents are languishing in 8th place.

"Credit to the manager, as well. He had a little switch at half-time to go to almost like a 4-4-2 out of possession, 4-3-3 in possession stayed the same."

Brendan Rodgers showed his side could play two ways on Tuesday night. In their first half, they pressed Chelsea high up the pitch and scored their goals. In the second half, they sat off and looked to threaten on the counter.


It was a mature performance from a young side that comes from the experience of their manager.


Chelsea, and Frank Lampard, looked lost. He spent over £200 million in the summer but his marquee signings - Timo Werner and Kai Havertz - were either on the bench out of form or subbed after another poor display.


Lampard faces problems in attack and defence. Chelsea's attacks don't look pre-planned from the training ground in the same style of Liverpool or Manchester City. There is an element of luck whenever they go forward. Werner hasn't scored in eleven league matches and, unsurprisingly, plays with little confidence.


Leicester's second goal summed up Chelsea's lack of defensive cohesion. A long ball from Marc Albrighton and Ben Chilwell is too far forward. Antonio Rudiger is too concerned by Jamie Vardy's presence that he looses sight of the ball, which Maddison runs on to because Reece James doesn't pick him up.

The defence does not play as a unit and ever since Lampard took the job, Chelsea have shipped too many goals. Signing Thiago Silva and Edouard Mendy were supposed to secure the back line but Lampard does not have the managerial ability to coach his defenders.


The truth is Lampard is out of his depth, over-promoted after one season in which he took Derby County from 6th to 6th. His managerial record does not stack up to be at a superclub and Roman Abramovich needs to take some blame for appointing someone who is learning on the job.


Abramovich has sacked previous managers for less. Avram Grant enjoyed a friendly relationship with the Russian but losing the Champions League final got him the sack. Carlo Ancelotti did the double and was booted for coming second the next season. Lampard has the worst points per game record of any manager under Abramovich.


Lampard does not have the CV to demand more time and the little he has left is fast running out.

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