Frank Lampard delights Sky Sports pundit at Coventry after 'unfair criticism'

Frank Lampard has been the subject of some “unfair criticism” during his managerial career and his return to the dugout with Coventry City is a great thing, according to Jobi McAnuff.

The Sky Sports pundit has also hailed the former Chelsea man for showing the desire to prove himself as a manager after the success he enjoyed in his playing career.

Lampard’s first season in management saw him guide Derby County to the 2019 Championship play-off final where they were beaten by Aston Villa. He then left for Chelsea where he had two mixed spells either side of a challenging stint in charge of Everton.

After leaving Stamford Bridge for the second time as a manager in the summer of 2023, Lampard returned to management at the end of last month when he took charge of Coventry in the Championship.

McAnuff has now praised the former England international both for his desire to take on the role, and the previous work he has done as a manager.

Asked about Lampard being someone who wants to prove himself as a manager after all he’s done as a player, the ex-Cardiff and Reading midfielder said on Sky Sports (7:40): “Yeah and I love that, I think at times he certainly has done and I think other players who have played at the level that they have maybe get a little bit of unfair criticism but their desire to want to put themselves in this situation is something I do admire.

“I think they’re (Coventry) getting a Frank Lampard who clearly you can see there, still wants to prove himself he wants to show people that he can be a really good manager I think sometimes the work that he’s already done does go a little bit under the radar.

“This man here (Curtis Davies) knows all about the job that he did at Derby which I thought was a really good job for your first one in management. Yes they didn’t quite get over the line in the end but I think for him it’s a really good opportunity to come and re-establish himself.”

Frank Lampard must succeed at Coventry for the sake of his managerial career

Football Insider Opinion

Lampard’s desire to return to management with the Sky Blues and prove himself in the dugout is something he does deserve credit for.

There is a huge amount of stress and pressure that comes with being a manager, and when consider the success he enjoyed and money he made as a player, he surely doesn’t have to put himself through this.

His time at Coventry though will surely have to be a success if he is to have a chance of a longer career as a manager.

He battled relegation throughout his time with Everton, and his second spell in charge of Chelsea was a disaster with just one win in 11 in all competitions.

Another unsuccessful spell with the Sky Blues would therefore surely mean most other clubs would be reluctant to take a gamble on him again in the future.

There does seem to be belief among some that a return to the Championship where he has fared better before will suit Lampard more.

Considering the implications it may have for his career, the Chelsea and England legend will surely hope that is indeed the case.

His night at The Hawthorns won’t have helped his case at all though after goals from Alex Mowatt and Karlan Grant condemned his side to defeat, as Carlos Corberan’s West Brom recorded a rare victory.

In other news, one pundit has suggested Frank Lampard will miss out on the chance to face a former rival while in charge of Coventry.

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