‘Emma Hayes better qualified for Chelsea than Frank Lampard’

Robin Bairner

• 7 Apr 2023 15:50 CDT
• 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.

MORE: What are the most expensive women’s football transfers of all time?

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.”

MORE: Lukaku’s worst miss yet!? Chelsea loan star slammed after Inter SHOCKER

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.