‘I didn’t think I’d be back’ – Lampard reveals ‘surprise’ at Chelsea chance; sends message to the fans

Frank Lampard has revealed that he was shocked to get the chance to manage Chelsea again after being sacked by the Blues just over two years ago.

The former England international has also been sacked by Everton since with Lampard lasting just less than a year at Goodison Park before the hierarchy acted.

It took many, , by suprise that Lampard would be at Chelsea considering he left the club ninth in the Premier League.

Chelsea confirmed earlier on Thursday that Lampard had been until the end of the season after they sacked Graham Potter on Sunday.

Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Lampard started: “Easy decision for me, this is my club. I’m also a very practicial person. I’ve been on a different path since I left Chelsea but to come back when I’ve been asked and come back with a belief I can help until the end of the season. Delighted to get the opportunity and I’m thankful.

“I’ve a good understanding of the squad, the training ground, the stadium and the fans and I’ll do my best.”

Asked whether there was an incentive to do well and potentially stay on as Chelsea boss, Lampard added: “Roberto did an incredible job to stay on but that’s a different time in the club’s history. I expect those questions but what is important to me is to park it to one side and get on the job.

“I was at the game on Tuesday, there’s a lot of a talent in the squad and I’m excited to work with them.”

Sending a message to the fans, Lampard continued: “I’m very thankful for the ones that are delighted.

“Those who aren’t they can know that I will work my utmost to give them a team that they’re proud of. I don’t need to speak too much about my relationship with Chelsea fans. They’ve been a huge support to me and I’m forever thankful for that.”

On how the opportunity arose, Lampard explained:”A surprise in terms of you never know the decision the club are going to make. I’ve been particularly enjoying my time at home. When you get time at home you can throw yourself into your family.

“I’ve been pretty happy in that position but when I spoke to Paul and Laurence in the last 24-48 hours and what this is now, it was a decision that was, not simple, Chelsea can’t be simple, but that decision came through.

On whether, hand on heart, he thought he’d manage Chelsea again, Lampard said: “I didn’t think I’d ever be in this seat. I’m a confident person, I want to work hard and understand the game. It wasn’t my thought that I’d one day be back as Chelsea manager, it wasn’t in the first part of my mind.

When asked about Mason Mount’s contract situation, Lampard replied: “I don’t know enough about it to talk about and I think it would be wrong for me to delve into. Mason has always been good for me, Reece James, Tammy Abaraham and Tomori it’s been great to see them go on to big things.

“I need to find out where he is but I know what I get from Mason and I just want him to perform on the pitch and I look forward to talking to him more.”