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Emma Hayes is set to leave Chelsea Women's managerial role after 12 years and Frank Lampard is a surprise name to replace her
Emma Hayes, the highly successful manager of Chelsea Women's team, is set to depart Stamford Bridge this summer to take over as the manager of the USA Women's team.
Hayes' tenure at Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable, with a staggering 15 trophies, including six Women's Super League (WSL) titles, won during her 12-year reign.
As the club begins its search for her successor, former England international Izzy Christiansen has suggested that Frank Lampard could be the ideal candidate to continue the club's success.
A Legendary Departure
Emma Hayes, who has been at the helm of Chelsea Women's team since 2012, has achieved unparalleled success during her tenure. Her remarkable leadership has led the Blues to secure six WSL titles, and they are on track to claim a fifth consecutive title this season, currently leading the league by three points.
Her departure marks the end of an era for Chelsea Women, and the search for a new manager has begun.
Frank Lampard: A Familiar Face
Izzy Christiansen, a former footballer who represented clubs like Everton, Manchester City, and Lyon during her career, has thrown Frank Lampard's name into the ring as a potential successor for Emma Hayes. Christiansen, now a pundit, believes that Lampard, who has deep ties to Chelsea, could be the perfect fit.
"I do have a name in mind but I've never heard anyone throw it out there," Christiansen stated. "Frank Lampard. He's somebody who knows the club inside out. From my experiences at Everton, listening to him speak, he's the right type of character. His level of communication and knowledge of the game could be really effective, and I think you've got someone well accustomed to what it means to be Chelsea."
Lampard's Managerial Journey so far
Frank Lampard's managerial career has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After a successful stint with Derby County, he took charge of Chelsea's men's team in 2019, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in his first season despite a transfer ban. However, he was relieved of his duties in January 2021, with the team languishing in ninth place and amid strained relationships with players and club management.
Lampard then took the reins at Everton, helping them avoid relegation in the 2021-22 season but ultimately being dismissed with the team in 19th place the following January. He made a brief return to Chelsea as interim boss last April, but his tenure yielded only one victory.
Christiansen keeping faith with Lampard
Despite these challenges, Christiansen is convinced that Lampard, a Chelsea legend with over 200 goals for the club as a player, could help maintain the club's extraordinary success. She emphasized the importance of selecting the right person for the job, regardless of gender.
"I don't have any knowledge on whether he'd want it or not, but it makes sense to me," Christiansen added. "To be honest, I sit in a party where it doesn't have to be a female, doesn't have to be a male — it just needs to be the right person for the job. There's no gain in Chelsea going, 'Right, let's pigeonhole this; it has to be a female.' If they want to continue or attempt to continue the dominance they've had domestically, it has to be the correct appointment."
As Chelsea Women's team aims to maintain their dominance in the Women's Super League, the choice of their next manager will be crucial. Frank Lampard's potential appointment, with his deep knowledge of the club and the game, could be a significant step in shaping the future of the team. Chelsea fans await the official announcement regarding Emma Hayes' successor and the club's path forward in the WSL.
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