Football

Frank Lampard explains the decision to bring Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele back to Chelsea


Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard will be reunited at Chelsea (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Frank Lampard is not the only Chelsea legend returning to the club this pre-season, with Didier Drogba and Claude Makelele the latest confirmed appointments in the enormous reshuffle at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard was appointed as the new Blues boss on Thursday after previous manager Maurizio Sarri left to join Juventus earlier this summer.

Not only has there been a change in management but a massive alteration of the backroom staff as well, with Lampard bringing a host of former Blues back with him to west London.

Jody Morris and Chris Jones were expected to accompany Lampard from Derby, while Petr Cech had already been confirmed as technical and performance adviser, but now Drogba and Makelele are back on board as well.

‘Didier, Petr and Makelele,’ explained Lampard at a press conference. ‘What I want to do is bring in people not just because they played for the club but because they feel the club and want to be here with incredible work ethic.

Claude Makelele has been in charge of Eupen in Belgium (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Jody Morris is coming with me as assistant head coach. We have a close relationship. He has a great link with the academy, who were successful. We have a huge loyalty. Chris Jones as well, he will be with me as a coach. We know each other very well.’

Drogba, who scored 164 goals in 381 Chelsea appearances, is expected to join Lampard’s coaching staff while Makelele, who played 217 times for the Blues, is reportedly going to oversee the club’s loan players.

There have also been some moves for staff already at the club, all of whom have a long relationship with the Blues.

‘Joe Edwards will move upwards from the U23s and he is fantastic on the training ground,’ continued Lampard. ‘Eddie Newton will be working with us as well.

‘It’s a very Chelsea orientated team, we’re not to be an old boys’ club. I might have one year, but we have many years between us. We have a desire to be successful with this club.’

Lampard has signed a three-year contract as Chelsea manager and will begin work immediately with his first pre-season game in charge of the Blues next Wednesday against Bohemians.

Ahead of Lampard’s appointment, Makelele said of his credentials: ‘For me, it’s good the ex-legends come back to the club. I hope so.

‘I’m sure he wants to give everything for Chelsea. So, of course, I’m happy for this idea of the club to bring back a legend. He’s ready. He knows what is needed to bring success to the club.

‘Frank is someone who is very professional, he focuses on details, focuses about the love he gives for Chelsea.

‘I’m sure he will be a great manager for Chelsea.’

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