Frank Lampard admits he was ‘surprised’ to get the call from Chelsea

Frank Lampard has admitted he was ‘surprised’ to get another call from Chelsea but said it was an ‘easy decision’ to accept the post of interim manager until the season’s end.

The Stamford Bridge legend is back in the dug-out in the wake of Graham Potter‘s sacking last weekend and will aim to improve on their current Premier League position of 11th and advance in the Champions League.

Lampard, 44, insisted he doesn’t see it as ‘unfinished business’ after his previous tenure as Chelsea manager ended with a sacking in January 2021.

Speaking to the media moments after Chelsea officially confirmed his return, Lampard said: ‘[It was] 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.

Frank Lampard spoke to the media after being appointed as Chelsea’s interim manager

Lampard watched Chelsea’s goalless draw with Liverpool on Tuesday before being appointed

Graham Potter was sacked by Chelsea on Sunday night with the club 11th in the league table

‘But it was 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 I come back with a belief that I can help until the end of the season.

‘I’m 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 if he ever saw himself in the Chelsea hotseat again, the club’s all-time leading scorer added: ‘I didn’t think I’d never be in this seat. I understand the club and the game.

‘To be honest, it wasn’t my thought to come back as a Chelsea manager. My job was just to be the best manager I can be.

‘I don’t see it as unfinished business. Now I’m here in a different period and just want to do as well as I can. Unfinished business just seems a little bit Hollywood.’

Lampard, who hasn’t been in work since his sacking by Everton in January, will begin preparations for Chelsea’s visit to Wolves on Saturday as they aim to rise from 11th in the Premier League table. 

They then take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday next week. 

The challenge of managing Chelsea’s large squad proved difficult for Potter, but Lampard wasn’t fazed.

He said: ‘The top clubs have big squads. You have to make every player feel included.

‘Being here in the short term is a positive because everyone can have a clean slate. The players will push each other and I will try and manage that.’

More to follow.