Pep Guardiola hit nail on the head with comments on Frank Lampard’s ability to manage

Frank Lampard’s managerial career has taken a remarkable turn since his appointment as Coventry City manager, and Pep Guardiola’s early confidence in him appears well-founded. Lampard, 46, took charge of Coventry City with the team teetering just above the relegation zone, following the sacking of Mark Robins. Despite questions surrounding his credentials after a tough second stint at Chelsea, where he won only one of 11 matches, Lampard has managed to completely turn things around for the Sky Blues.

Coventry City, once feared to be heading for relegation to League One, is now just one point off the Championship play-off spots after a string of strong performances. Under Lampard, Coventry has secured seven wins from their last eight matches, showing remarkable resilience and progress.

Though many doubted Lampard’s managerial abilities following his Chelsea struggles, one person who had unwavering faith in him was Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. The legendary manager, who spoke highly of Lampard even when he was at Chelsea, predicted a successful managerial future for him. Guardiola once said of Lampard: “Frank Lampard was an extraordinary football player, and he will be an extraordinary manager.” He praised Lampard’s ability to provide opportunities for young players, acknowledging Chelsea’s impressive academy.

Guardiola’s words seem to have proven prophetic. Lampard’s success at Coventry has shown that his footballing acumen and leadership qualities were always destined to shine through. Since taking over Coventry, Lampard has recorded 10 wins from 17 matches. Their only defeats this year have come against promotion-chasing Norwich City and league leaders Leeds United, further showcasing his tactical improvements and leadership.

Another high-profile figure who supported Lampard’s managerial potential is Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp. Despite their on-pitch rivalry, Klopp had always spoken positively about Lampard’s managerial abilities, even after their heated clashes in 2020. Reflecting on Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea, Klopp said, “I really thought Frank did a really good job at Chelsea, I really liked how they played.” He also mentioned that Lampard had worked under challenging circumstances, with Chelsea’s high expectations often making life difficult for managers. Klopp’s praise highlighted Lampard’s ability to manage in high-pressure environments, which has translated well to his role at Coventry.

Lampard’s impact at Coventry is undeniable. His team has been playing some of the best football in the Championship, and their recent performances reflect his managerial evolution. In a recent match against Preston, Coventry secured a 2-1 victory, with goals from Jack Rudoni and Bobby Thomas. The win moved Coventry within a point of the playoff places, as they continue to build momentum towards an unlikely promotion push.

After the match, Lampard expressed his satisfaction with the victory, noting it was particularly significant because it was the first time Coventry had beaten Preston in 22 attempts. He said, “It’s great for the fans. I was aware of it because it was spoken about as soon as I came in, so I know what it is.”

As Coventry continues its impressive run under Lampard, it seems clear that the former England international is establishing himself as a capable and successful manager in the Championship. His ability to adapt, motivate players, and guide the team through tough matches has been pivotal. With Lampard’s stock rising, many will be watching closely to see how far he can take Coventry this season and what the future holds for him as a manager.

Pep Guardiola’s early belief in Lampard has been validated by the Sky Blues’ transformation, and Lampard’s recent success is just the latest chapter in a promising managerial career. While his time at Chelsea may not have worked out as hoped, Lampard’s time at Coventry City has proven that he has the qualities to succeed at the highest levels of management.