‘Emma Hayes better qualified for Chelsea than Frank Lampard’

Robin Bairner

• 7 Apr 2023 21:50 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea’s decision to appoint Frank Lampard as interim manager following the sacking of Graham Potter has been questioned, with the Blues told that Emma Hayes is a better option than the midfield legend.

Lampard’s return to the club came as something of a surprise in the wake of Potter’s departure, but was activated in order to give the club board more time to conduct an extensive search for the Blues’ third full-time boss in the space of a year.

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While this in itself was a logical move, questions have been raised over Lampard’s credentials after he was previously sacked by the club in 2021 after a disappointing 18 months in charge. In his subsequent post, he left Everton in relegation danger.

Taking to Twitter, BeIn Sports presenter Richard Keys said: “Was Emma Hayes considered at Chelsea? It's her club as well and she's had more coaching success than the new men's coach.”

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Who is Emma Hayes?

Hayes has been the Chelsea Women's manager since August 2012 and has enjoyed profound success with the Blues’ ladies over the course of more than a decade.

Under her guidance, Chelsea have won five Super League titles and the Women’s FA Cup on four occasions. In 2021, she was named The Best FIFA Football Coach and is a five-time FA WSL Manager of the Season winner, even claiming a place in the Women’s Super League Hall of Fame in 2021.

She has previously confessed her deep devotion to Chelsea, telling Sky Sports: “I enjoy representing a club I absolutely adore. To be in a position where we can continue to win on behalf of Chelsea is something I think I was born for.”

Meanwhile, she has won acclaim for work as a pundit, giving her recognition from a wider audience.

If Hayes had been given the Chelsea job, even on an interim basis, she would have become the first female to take charge of a professional league side in England.