Was Lampard to blame for transfer flops as Chelsea manager?

James Shearman

• 6 Apr 2023 14:11 CDT
• 1 min read

''Anyone thinking that the manager is the one responsible for the big-money signings these days has the wrong idea of modern football. That’s not how it works any more,” Redknapp wrote in The Sun.

''Years ago of course they would be the one scouting players, watching them play, basically doing the deals. Not now, though.

''These days it is pretty much all down to the head of recruitment, which means you are relying on someone else’s judgment.

''Chelsea spent fortunes on new players and as manager you’re under pressure — not only to play them — but for them also to be an instant success.

''When they don’t, like the two Germans Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, then the buck stops with the boss.

''But I’m sure Frank isn’t the one behind all the signings Chelsea have made.

''I’d say the only one he was mad keen on getting was Ben Chilwell. That’s how crazy the game has become.''