Chelsea’s all-time top scorer Frank Lampard has claimed that he is shocked to see his former side nearer the bottom end of the table, but has backed the Blues to climb up the league.
Mourinho's departure gave Lampard mixed feelings
The former England international had a strong relationship with Jose Mourinho, the man who guided Chelsea to the Premier League title just last season. Yet a disastrous first half of their title defence saw the Blues languishing near the drop zone, and Mourinho lost his job as a result of this.
Lampard remains uncertain whether sacking his former boss was the right thing to do for Chelsea: "It was a difficult call, “It’s not easy to say whether it was the correct decision or not until you look back at it in 2 or 3 years time.”
The 37-year old enjoyed a very successful 13 year-long stint at Stamford Bridge, winning every major trophy there is to win at club level.
Lampard believes they will bounce back
Lampard was keen to highlight the difference between Chelsea this season, and the Chelsea that he played in, stating that, “When I was there a bad season was fourth at most, so I think it’s shocking. Now I think the club will come back.”
Guus Hiddink has been tasked with turning Chelsea’s season around for the second time in his career. The Dutchman enjoyed a great first spell with the Blues following Felipe Scolari’s sacking in 2009. The 69-year old has started his second reign in charge successfully, being unbeaten in the seven games since Mourinho left.
Speculation that Chelsea will be looking to strengthen significantly in the January transfer window with attacking players such as Alex Teixeira and Alexandre Pato heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. Lampard believes this may be the correct approach as the team is in need of an injection after the Christmas period.