Frank Lampard completes sensational return as Chelsea caretaker manager

Chelsea have announced the sensational return of Frank Lampard as their caretaker manager until the end of the season.

Lampard returns to the club where he was manager from July 2019 until he was sacked in January 2021 when he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel's replacement, Graham Potter, lasted just 31 games and less than seven months in charge before he was sacked on Monday, following a 2-0 home defeat against Aston Villa that saw Chelsea drop into the bottom half of the Premier League table.

They are 14 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, despite having spent more than £550 million on new players this season.

And while the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino have been linked with the job, Chelsea have decided to bring back the club legend Lampard for a second stint in charge.

"It's a pretty easy decision for me. This is my club. I have a lot of emotions and feelings," Lampard said in a press conference on Thursday.

"I've come with a belief I can come and help the cause until the end of the season. I'll give my utmost to give the fans what they want until the end of the season.

"There's a lot of talent in the squad. I'm excited to work with that talent and to help them.

"Really exciting. I was there on Tuesday [for the draw against Liverpool], it was the first time I'd been back since I left previously. It was an amazing buzz to be back at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard was in the stands at Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea's Premier League draw with Liverpool on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Reuters

"It was a surprise in terms of you never know what decision the club will make. There's been a lot of change in the Premier League this season.

"It's a big challenge, but aren't they