The three players who could suffer and benefit due to Lampard appointment
A manager change always means new opportunities for players to reclaim their positions, and this is especially true at Chelsea, where there are so many options available that a new coach will have to immediately start from scratch.
Frank Lampard knows many of these players, both positively and negatively. There are some obvious beneficiaries of the change, such as Mason Mount, but who could suffer?
Kai Havertz played more minutes than any other player during Graham Potter’s tenure, and while we still expect him to be utilized frequently, he cannot count on starting every game.
Then there’s Marc Cucurella, who has struggled greatly despite a few stellar performances. Lampard will not have an emotional connection with him and will likely be less interested in him as a left central defender than Potter.
Finally, there is Kepa, who was eventually replaced after being dropped by Lampard.
Which players are most likely to benefit?
Those who fell out of favor under Potter are obvious candidates, but the status of some of these is unknown. It is possible that the recently fired manager was instructed not to employ some of these individuals.
Mason Mount is the most likely candidate, as he was a key player during Lampard’s first tenure but has not played at all in recent weeks under Potter. Assuming the board has not instructed coaches not to play him, he should be immediately reinstated.
Then there’s Edouard Mendy, who was in excellent form during their shared half-season under Lampard. Kepa will retain his starting position on Saturday, but the pressure has returned.
Under Lampard, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been so frozen out that it is easy to forget he is a member of the club, will likely have a greater opportunity to play. To be fair, he couldn’t have less of a chance…
The three players who could suffer and benefit due to Lampard appointment
