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Football London
Football London
Sport
Tom Coley

Frank Lampard's first words as new Chelsea manager with team admission made

Frank Lampard has admitted that returning to Chelsea was a simple choice after the club's all-time top scorer was confirmed as the new interim manager. Lampard replaces Bruno Saltor as coach until the end of the season following the departure of Graham Potter on Sunday.

The Blues have turned to their former midfielder as they seek to appoint a third manager in ten months under the new ownership. While they are continuing talks with Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann, the club have given themselves more time to make an advised an informed decision on the next permanent coach.

Speaking for the first time since the appointment, Lampard said: "[It was an] Easy decision for me, this is my club. I'm also a very practical 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.

READ MORE: Luis Enrique takes step towards becoming next Chelsea manager as Todd Boehly decision made

"I've a good understanding of the squad, the training ground, the stadium and the fans and I'll do my best." Lampard was sacked by the previous regime under Roman Abramovich in 2021 after his squad fell to midtable. He is now set to take on the challenge of travelling to Real Madrid next week for the quarter-finals.

The 44-year-old also added that he has some fresh ideas for the line-up needed to play Wolves on Saturday. "I've been Thinking about it a lot this morning with the people who will be working with me. I know where I want to go. Thanks to Bruno and Graham Potter, sometimes things don't work but obviously I have my own idea."

Lampard didn't confirm those that would be around him in the coaching team though. He also offered another message to the fans that are preparing to serenade him one again: "I'm very thankful for the ones that are delighted," he started.

"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."

Chelsea travel to Molineux on Saturday before going to Santiago Bernabeau next week to face Real Madrid.

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