“I’ve been in that situation personally” – Frank Lampard extends support to Graham Potter after Chelsea return

Chelsea interim boss Frank Lampard has sympathised with his predecessor Graham Potter after replacing him at the first team helm.

Lampard was announced the Blues' caretaker manager till the end of the season earlier this week. His return to the club was confirmed after they let go of Potter, who had joined them on a five-year contract in September last year, a few days earlier.

Frank Lampard has now extended his support to the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss, whose initial arrival at Stamford Bridge was treated with high optimism. The Chelsea legend said during a press conference on Thursday (April 6) (as quoted by the Evening Standard):

“I want to say credit to Graham Potter who I don’t know that well, but everything I see about him, he’s a good man and a very good coach, and sometimes maybe for whatever reason thing don’t align, don’t work, whatever, I’ve been in that situation personally.”

He added:

“So there’s nothing that I will do looking backwards other than things that can help us with a view to moving forwards, but I’ll obviously have my own ideas.”

Potter's reign ended after just 31 games across competitions, with the Blues winning 12 times and scoring 32 goals. They averaged just 1.42 points per game, fewer than the 1.45 Potter managed during his only full season at Swansea.

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Frank Lampard begins second tenure at Chelsea helm this weekend

Frank Lampard will undoubtedly be keen to deliver the goods after getting a second opportunity to manage Chelsea.

The legendary midfielder was in charge of the club from July 2019 to January 2021, leading them to 44 wins in 84 games. They averaged 1.75 points and 2.04 goals scored per game under the Engloshman before he was sacked and replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

Having been fired by Everton in January this year after less than a year in charge, Lampard will undoubtedly be keen to prove his mettle once again. His second stint as the Blues' manager, albeit only till the end of the season for now, begins this weekend.

Lampard's men take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux in the Premier League on Saturday (April 8). Wolves are 14th in the standings but are just a point clear of the relegation zone.

Chelsea notably won 3-0 in their first league meeting of the season with Wolves at Stamford Bridge in October last year. Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja scored for the hosts, then managed by Graham Potter.