Lampard out to prove critics wrong at Coventry after Chelsea 'babysitting'

Today at 03:12 PM

• Lampard appointed manager on two-and-a-half-year deal
• 'I think British managers face more stringent opinion'

Frank Lampard said he believes former high-profile players face harsher criticism as managers, after expressing his excitement at relaunching his career at Coventry having been reduced to "babysitting" Chelsea in his last coaching role. Lampard, who took training on Thursday, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to succeed Mark Robins at the Championship club.

The former Chelsea and England midfielder said he is au fait with the scrutiny that will accompany his return to work. The 46-year-old, whose first manager's job was in the second tier with Derby, has been out of work since departing his role as interim head coach at Chelsea at the end of 2022-23. "I think British managers should be given a chance and sometimes they face even more stringent opinion against them, especially ex-players, if I'm honest," he said.