Frank Lampard reveals Kai Havertz presented him with a ‘coaching problem’ during Chelsea manager spell
FRANK LAMPARD admits Kai Havertz presented him with a “coaching problem” during his time as Chelsea manager.
The former England star, now lined up for the vacant Rangers job, managed his beloved club for 18 months after taking charge in 2019.
Lampard, 45, oversaw a huge period of change at Stamford Bridge, first ushering in Chelsea youth stars like Reece James and Mason Mount during a transfer ban.
In 2020 Lampard was handed a raft of superstars like Timo Werner and Thiago Silva after a major spending splurge.
However, there was one player who ‘Super Frank’ admits he struggled to figure out.
Havertz, 24, was a £70million signing from Bayer Leverkusen who was seen by many as a No10.
He was used in a variety of different roles at Chelsea, ranging from up top to the wing and even in central midfield.
Havertz eventually parted way with the Blues in June, joining rivals Arsenal for £65m.
And Lampard admits his inability to figure out Havertz’s best role left him with a major “coaching problem.”
Lamps, who returned to Chelsea as caretaker manager earlier this year, told Sky Sports: “[My sacking] hurt a lot because we were working towards something and bringing in those players changed the aspects.
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“When we brought players in I had different problems – coaching problems. 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?
“It was a club recruitment policy, there were players I wanted. Ben Chilwell was big for me.”
Reflecting on his approach to transfers and handling new arrivals, Lampard added: “My situation was a mixture.
“Certain players I would be very keen to bring in and we did collaborate with Marina Granovskaia.
“Roman Abramovich was not present but you knew he was the overseeing power.
“There were certain players brought in as a club thing and you have to try and integrate them.
“I was surprised at how quick the feeling turned around in terms of how secure I felt at the club.”