Frank Lampard issues Coventry exit stance: ‘I’ll consider those kinds of options’
Frank Lampard has refused to rule out interest in departing Coventry for bigger roles after his success this season.
Mark Robins was dismissed as Coventry manager in November, which was a particularly unpopular move given he had led the club from League Two to a contender near the top of England’s second-tier.
Chelsea fans backed Lampard to excel, but there were some doubts after the 46-year-old was dismissed by Everton.
However, having led his side to an improbable fifth-placed finish and a play-off spot, Lampard has emerged as a contender for Championship Manager of the Year.
Coventry will face off against Sunderland for a place in the playoff final, but following an interview with The Mirror, there are now doubts around the Englishman’s long-term future with the club, even if he seems to be looking ahead to next season where he is for now at least.
Frank Lampard to ‘consider’ his options after England links
Speaking to The Mirror prior to confirming Coventry’s place in the playoffs, Lampard hinted he would consider a shot at bigger jobs again in the not-too-distant future amid potential links to the England job, having stepped down a division to take over at Coventry Arena.
The Chelsea legend said before the Sky Blues’ crucial 2-0 win against Middlesbrough (3 May): “I’ve come to Coventry and I’m really enjoying my work.
“Having had the different experiences as a manager: Champions League experience, Premier League experience and a relegation battle with Everton.
“And now I’m back here and I want to lay down some good work, if I can, to improve the squad then we can come back again next year. Then I’ll consider those kinds of options. I’m a proud Englishman but right now my focus is on Coventry and doing my job as well as I possibly can.”
“We’ve got a really good team who want to do well for the club and we’re in a position where the last game of the season we can try and make the playoffs which we never expected but now it’s a reality and we want more.”
England a step too far for Frank Lampard
Football Insider Verdict
Ambition is never a bad trait but it is important for Coventry’s manager to remain grounded in reality when it comes to his managerial career.
That is not to say Lampard can never become England manager. In fact in a few years he may be one of the Three Lions’ best options.
But the ex-Everton boss is still learning and as shown by his peers’ success, or lack thereof, developing as a manager takes time.
| Match stats | Coventry | Middlesbrough |
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Shots (on target) | 17 (4) | 21 (6) |
| Expected goals | 2.01 xG | 1.43 xG |
| Big chances (missed) | 5 (4) | 1 (1) |
| Corners | 5 | 4 |
Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney have all attempted to cut their chops as head coaches, with the ex-Liverpool manager the best of a truly awful bunch.
With time, Lampard has the ability to develop into a top-level tactician, but he would be well-served to stay away from the Premier League and its allure in favour of learning his trade.
While vague, his response suggests he isn’t looking to depart immediately, and after translating a defeat in the play offs with Derby into a premature shot at his dream role back at Chelsea he would probably be wise not to jump the gun a second time round.