Frank Lampard: Former Chelsea boss ‘wasn’t ready’ for big job, Jorginho says

The former England international was sacked in January with Chelsea ninth in the Premier League

Frank Lampard “skipped some steps” in taking the Chelsea job and “wasn’t ready” for the position so early in his managerial career, midfielder Jorginho has said.

Stamford Bridge legend Lampard was appointed head coach of his former club in 2018, following his first season as a manager with Championship side Derby County.

The 42-year-old guided Chelsea into the Premier League’s top four in his first season in charge, despite being unable to sign new players after the club was placed under a transfer ban, and was praised for establishing academy graduates Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham as first team regulars.

But results dipped in Lampard’s second season and after a summer of expensive signings such as Timo Werner and Kai Havertz brought increased expectations, the former midfielder was sacked in January with the club ninth in the Premier League table.

In an interview with ESPN, Jorginho said: “Look, I’ll be really sincere here on Lampard. I believe, given he was a legend at the club, he skipped some steps necessary for learning before moving to a big club.

“He came to a club where he is a legend, without having experience at other clubs. I think he came too soon, skipped a few steps ahead and wasn’t ready for a job at this level, to be honest.”

Thomas Tuchel replaced Lampard and has since taken the club into the Champions League semi-finals and FA Cup final, as well as reigniting Chelsea’s top four bid.