This archive report was first published on 4 July 2019.
July 4, 2019 - Frank Lampard has signed a three-year deal to return to Chelsea as the club's new manager, a move that he believes presents the biggest challenge of his career.
Lampard, who earned legendary status at Stamford Bridge during his 13-year playing career, returns to the club with just one year's worth of managerial experience at second-tier Derby County.
"Yes, I would," Lampard said when asked if this was his biggest challenge. "When I started out a year ago at Derby, I felt that was a huge challenge because you start again. I don't want credit for my playing career. I should be judged on what I do here and what I do going forward."
Lampard will have to navigate a two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA, which means he will have to rely on the club's existing squad and potentially bring through promising youngsters from the Chelsea academy.
"Trying to develop young players is really important, and I think that is one of my first jobs to do and I will carry on doing during my time in charge," Lampard said.
Despite the challenges ahead, Lampard is confident that he can keep Chelsea among the Premier League's top four, even if challenging for the title against champions Manchester City and Champions League winners Liverpool is a tall order.
