How Todd Boehly turned to TV star James Corden for advice before hiring Frank Lampard as Chelsea interim manager
TV star James Corden played a surprise role in the shock appointment of Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
Interim boss Lampard lost at Wolves on his “surreal” return and says he will not solve the club’s problems in one day.
Lamps was named on Thursday after Gavin and Stacey creator Corden gave pal and Blues owner Todd Boehly his opinion.
The US talk show host and American financier Boehly have become mates.
When Boehly looked for a caretaker after Graham Potter was axed last Sunday, West Ham fan Corden’s idea got the nod.
Corden and Lampard are pals from Sky show A League of Their Own where the ex-England midfielder’s cousin Jamie Redknapp is a team captain.
Lamps watched Chelsea manage just one shot on target as Matheus Nunes scored a stunning winner.
The interim chief said: “It is a big task. We know we are in a position we do not want to be in — but there is a reason for it.
“I did not expect to solve everything in one day. At the same time, you have to have more aggression in your game.
“Lack of confidence can look like lack of aggression but, as a team, there were second balls and duels we were not quite at. I don’t mind saying it.
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“Four or five days ago I was planning different stuff. That part was surreal.
“Being Chelsea manager does not feel different to me. I’m not taking it lightly but it has been my club for a long time so I appreciate being back.
“I am disappointed I could not give the fans a win on my first game back.”
Lampard must hope for a massive improvement for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg at Real Madrid.
He added: “We have a huge game where everything changes. I’m excited.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea and the Prem slammed “unacceptable” homophobic chants heard during the Molineux loss. Three arrests were made.