Frank Lampard could be handed a return to the Chelsea dugout for the remainder of the season, according to reports.
The Blues legend was in the stands on Tuesday night to watch their draw with Liverpool, just days after Graham Potter had been shown the door. It left his former assistant, Bruno, to take charge whilst the hierarchy consider their next move.
Chelsea have little to play for domestically this season as they meander around mid-table. They have a Champions League clash to come against Real Madrid, but are firm underdogs with many expecting their European journey to end. Their sporting directors are currently compiling a shortlist ahead of interviewing possible candidates for their vacancy.
The likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique have all been discussed - with some being contacted already. In the interim however, with just nine games left in the league, club legend Lampard could be bought back to see the season out, reports The Sun.
Lampard spent 17 months in charge at Stamford Bridge after his prior experience with Derby. Roman Abramovich opted to sack him in January 2021 after he'd delivered a top four finish the previous year. The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Everton earlier this season.
It gave him the free time to head back to Stamford Bridge and observe as his former side failed to find the net once again, but were good enough to warrant a point against Liverpool, whose own top four hopes seem to be fading.
Bruno took charge of the side, despite admitting he'd never before picked a team, and maintained there is no long-term plan regarding his position. "As it stands I just expect to go home to rest and focus on hour by hour, day by day," he said. "The owner know the staff are going to be as professional as we can. We try to represent this club the best we can. We know the standards here and what is demanded."
Chelsea's next game is a trip to Wolves on Saturday before they head to the Spanish capital to take on Los Blancos. European success, albeit unlikely, is the club's only route into the Champions League for next season given their poor form domestically despite the huge sums being spent on the squad.
The club's search for a new manager could drag on, especially as major names often want a pre-season with their players. It could be a case of someone taking charge once the season ends, leaving the Blues at a loose end for several weeks, which could open the door for Lampard to make return in the short-term.
