Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard recently shed light on the challenges he encountered while trying to optimize the performance of Kai Havertz during his tenure at the club. Lampard, who was at the helm of Chelsea from 2019 to early 2021, revealed that he grappled with determining the most suitable role for the talented German midfielder after his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
In a candid interview, Lampard shared insights into the complexities he faced in managing a squad that included several high-profile signings. He spoke about the dilemma of finding the right positions and strategies to extract the best from his new recruits, particularly Havertz and Timo Werner, both of whom arrived at Stamford Bridge with high expectations.
Lampard posed a series of questions that were at the forefront of his mind during his tenure as manager. He asked, “What’s going to get the best out of Timo Werner? Is he a No9? We’ve still got Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud. Kai Havertz, what’s his best position?” These inquiries underscored the challenges Lampard encountered in trying to integrate his new signings into the team and adapt his tactics accordingly.
The former Chelsea boss hinted that the recruitment policy of the club played a significant role in shaping the composition of the squad. Lampard mentioned Ben Chilwell as an example of a player who was instrumental to his vision for the team. Chilwell’s arrival from Leicester City provided added depth and quality to the left-back position, which was crucial for Lampard’s tactical plans.
During his tenure, Lampard often experimented with different formations and strategies to accommodate the diverse talents within the squad. While these efforts yielded moments of success, they also highlighted the difficulties in striking the right balance and achieving consistency.
Kai Havertz, in particular, drew attention due to his versatility and skill set. As a young and promising midfielder, Havertz possessed the ability to play in various positions across the attacking midfield and forward lines. Finding the optimal role for Havertz that would both harness his potential and contribute to the team’s success proved to be a puzzle that Lampard grappled with.
The admission from Lampard provides valuable insights into the complexities of managing a Premier League club with a squad packed with talent. It underscores the intricate decision-making process that managers face in determining player roles, formations, and strategies that can bring out the best in their teams.
Lampard’s tenure at Chelsea may have ended, but his reflections on the challenges of managing players like Kai Havertz offer a unique perspective into the inner workings of a top-flight football club. As Chelsea continues to evolve under new leadership, the lessons learned from Lampard’s experiences will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing development of the club and its future success.
