Under-fire Lampard defended by Guus Hiddink

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:45 CDT
• 1 min read

Guus Hiddink has offered his support to under-pressure Chelsea manager Frank Lampard and believes he can succeed on the Stamford Bridge bench.

Lampard’s job is under serious threat after a dismal run of form which has seen the Blues fall to ninth in the Premier League table, 11 points behind leaders Manchester United.

The former midfielder was expected to launch a title challenge after spending over €250 million last summer but has fallen well short of expectations.

“Frank is a very honest and direct person,” said Hiddink, who managed Lampard at Chelsea during his first spell as coach there in 2008/09.

“He was such a big player for Chelsea, but he will ­understand that what you did as a player counts for very little when you become a manager.

“When you suffer some losses, then it is natural to ­become worried.

“But I don’t see Frank ­panicking in this situation. He is a very stable person who believes totally in himself.

“He is also very honest and very direct. Every coach wants to be given time to put their ideas in place – and it is even more important when you are young.

“Frank has proved himself. He did a good job in his first appointment at Derby and in his first season at Chelsea he ­qualified for the Champions League.

“He is going through a difficult time at the moment, but this is when things have to remain stable.”

The pressure on Lampard was eased somewhat on Sunday after a Tammy Abraham hattrick helped Chelsea to a 3-1 FA Cup win over Luton Town.