Tottenham could be handed unexpected Frank Lampard reunion after brutal sacking

Tottenham Hotspur could face an unexpected reunion with former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard following a challenging period for both clubs. Tottenham, managed by Ange Postecoglou, recently suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in the Premier League, with goals from Sammie Szmodics and Liam Delap securing the win for the visitors.

Rodrigo Bentancur did pull one back for Spurs, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the loss. The defeat left Tottenham in 10th place in the Premier League after 11 games, with a record of five wins, one draw, and five losses. They also remain in a precarious position in the Europa League, sitting seventh after a recent loss to Galatasaray.

Following the international break, Spurs will face a crucial fixture against reigning champions Manchester City in the Premier League. This is followed by a potentially pivotal Europa League clash with Italian giants AS Roma at home. Roma, however, find themselves in turmoil after parting ways with manager Ivan Juric following a 2-1 defeat to Bologna. Juric, who took over from Daniele De Rossi earlier in the year, had struggled to lift the club, leaving Roma in 12th place with just three wins from their first 12 league games. The club thanked Juric for his professionalism but confirmed their decision to begin a search for a new head coach.

One name that has surprisingly surfaced as a potential replacement for Juric is Frank Lampard. The 46-year-old, who enjoyed a long and successful playing career at Chelsea, has been out of management since being sacked by Everton in January 2023. Lampard has previously had managerial stints at Derby County, Everton, and Chelsea, though none have brought long-term success. His name is reportedly being discussed in the corridors of Roma, according to media outlets like TEAMtalk. However, former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is said to be Roma’s top target after leaving his role with the Saudi Arabia national team earlier this year.

If Lampard were to take the reins at Roma, his first European fixture could be against Tottenham in the Europa League, a game that will hold significant implications for both teams. Currently, only four points separate Spurs and Roma in the Europa League standings, and both teams are fighting to secure automatic qualification to the knockout stages. The top eight teams in the group will advance directly, while those finishing ninth to 24th will have to navigate through the play-offs. Given the stakes, the game promises to be a tense and high-pressure encounter.

While Lampard’s potential appointment at Roma would be a surprising move for many, it’s a situation that could arise swiftly as Roma seek to stabilize after Juric’s departure. A decision on the new head coach is expected to come shortly after the international break. Should Lampard be named as the new manager, it would be an intriguing twist for Tottenham, who might face one of their former London rivals in an intense competition just weeks after struggling against them in the Premier League. Lampard, still well-known for his time at Chelsea, would also bring a wealth of managerial experience to Roma, albeit with a mixed record to date.

As Roma continue their search for a new head coach, the coming days could determine whether Lampard or another candidate takes the reins at Stadio Olimpico. Regardless, the clash between Spurs and Roma in the Europa League will be crucial for both sides as they look to secure their place in the next round. For Tottenham, it could also mark an unexpected and dramatic encounter against a familiar figure from London’s footballing elite.