Frank Lampard, the revered former Chelsea player and coach, shed light on the exclusion of John Terry from his coaching staff during his two managerial tenures at Chelsea. From 2019 to 2021, and later as a caretaker manager after Graham Potter’s departure, Lampard managed the team.
In an episode of John Obi Mikel’s Obi One podcast, Lampard clarified his decision, expressing profound respect for Terry. However, he emphasized that the choice to include Terry was beyond his purview and rested with the club’s decision-makers. Lampard revealed that when he took over, the club swiftly approached him, allowing just a day for a decision. The request was to bring in two staff members, a crucial decision in the intricate landscape of football management.
Drawing on his prior collaborations at Chelsea, Derby, and Everton, Lampard opted to maintain familiarity with his staff. He selected three members, including Ashley Cole, who took charge of set pieces at Everton. The duo of Chris Jones and Joe Edwards rounded out his chosen team, leaving no room for additional changes.
Lampard’s quick decision-making process was prompted by the club’s timeline, which left him minimal time for contemplation. Despite his immense admiration for Terry, the circumstances dictated a different coaching staff composition. Lampard’s words shed light on the intricate dynamics of managerial decisions, where timing and existing relationships played pivotal roles.
In essence, Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea was marked not only by on-field strategies but also by the nuanced dynamics of assembling a coaching staff within tight timeframes and club parameters.
