With Frank Lampard being appointed Chelsea’s new manager, many experts and pundits have come out to state their fears over the appointment. Well, Tony Cascarino is no different, and the former Blues man has one specific fear over appointing Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
What’s being said?
Cascarino wrote a column for The Times relaying his fears of Lampard’s tactics at times during his one and only season at Derby County.
Cascarino said he saw the Englishman be a bit too cautious at times last season and worries that the fans will not take too kindly to any negative and cautious styles of play.
He said: “His Derby County side played some exciting football at times and he deserves credit for giving young players a chance.”
“But there were too many occasions when he was cautious with his tactics, sat off opponents and they looked average.”
“Fans will forgive the odd defeat and poor performance but they will not forgive a negative and cautious playing style.” (Source: The Times)
Cascarino wrong to worry
While Cascarino does put together a strong case for Lampard’s struggles at Derby County, he’s wrong to assume that Lampard would bring those cautious tactics to Chelsea.
Chelsea are a completely different monster to Derby County, and they showed this last season with wins over Manchester City and Liverpool. Last season also saw wins against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
As well as performances against two of the best in the country, Chelsea’s current squad also have Premier League winners, who were at the club when they won the title in 2017.
Performances against big teams and experience of winning honours means this Chelsea have enough in them to play an entertaining brand of football. There’s no reason for Cascarino to expect a cautious brand of football from Lampard next season, especially with the club’s quality of players.