Chelsea confirm appointment of Frank Lampard as caretaker manager

Chelsea have announced that Frank Lampard has returned to the club to become their caretaker manager.

The Blues parted company with Graham Potter on Sunday evening following a dismal six-month spell at Stamford Bridge and initially placed one of his former assistants, Bruno Saltor, in interim charge.

But Chelsea moved swiftly this week to bring Lampard back to west London, confirming on Thursday that he will assume caretaker responsibilities while the search for a permanent manager continues.

Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time record goalscorer and one of the best players in their history, previously managed the club on a full-time basis between 2019 and 2021. A promising first season spent integrating academy players in the wake of a global transfer ban gave cause for optimism, but the Blues faltered in his second campaign and he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

He took up the job at Everton at the start of 2022 and led them to Premier League safety, but was sacked in January with the Toffees again in danger of relegation.