Frank Lampard on the challenges of man-management

Sunday, 12 June, 2022 6comments | Jump to most recent

Frank Lampard has been talking about the challenges of man-management in his role as head coach.

“What some players don't consider so much when they want to coach or manage is that you have to quickly learn the skills to work with people.

“You don't need those so much as an individual player. The more you can communicate and understand the best way to motivate and manage individual situations and bring people together in one direction, the quicker the football stuff has a chance of going well.

“I'd done the football things all my life, but I'd not managed people. Paul Clement has made it so easy for me. I have huge respect for him and have no problem tapping into his experience as a manager after working with Carlo Ancelotti for so long.

“He can help me, sometimes guide me on a decision because of something he says. I have no ego in that respect. You have to keep working on those people skills and consistently try to get better.”

Lampard says he tries not to be a teacup thrower and feels it is important to be positive with his players. He always tried to encourage Everton during their nerve-shredding relegation fight, although sometimes he did have to tell them some home truths.

“It's important, if you're going to get people in the best place, to be positive with them. In the modern day, I don't think heavy sticks or negativity work so well.

“I have to work with them every day, which is a pleasure, and I want them to understand they have my support. I can say a lot of things behind closed doors, but if I talk about them out loud, I want to support them.

“Players do not want to make mistakes or do the wrong things. The only thing I would call out is if people are not doing the basics - work ethic and respecting the club and their teammates.

“My first job at Derby was so fresh in coaching and managerial terms and the most important things were to always be really open to getting better and to learn from every situation.

“There's nothing wrong with saying you're always evolving and learning. Not just because I'm a young coach, you should do it all the time.”

Reader Comments (6)

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Bill Watson
1 Posted 12/06/2022 at 23:56:48

Despite my early misgivings about his sometimes strange team selections and poor use of substitutes, I'm gradually warming to this guy!

Paul Kernot
2 Posted 12/06/2022 at 00:04:31

Me too Bill. An Australian friend of mine who doesn't know much about football asked me not an hour ago if I like Lampard. I was a bit surprised hearing myself say 'yes' instantly.

I just get the right feeling about not only him but his staff. He's clearly humble enough to accept that he needs help. I'm slowly allowing myself to see the future as potentially bright, albeit with one foot still dangling over the nervous, 'false dawn' camp.

Daniel A Johnson
3 Posted 13/06/2022 at 00:13:24

Lampard is a very very clever guy he's eloquent and very self aware. His touchy feely approach, fist pumping and constantly waxing lyrical over the great club Everton cuts him a lot of slack and disguises the fact that tactically he is seriously lacking.

You can't help but just like him but you can't also deny there is a fly by the seat of your pants and winging it approach to the games with Frank. At times his tactics and team selections have left me shaking my head. Feels like he's always rolling the dice.

Also the fact his wife Christine and his kids still live in London can't be helpful long term for him.

I expect high scoring wins and 5-1 defeats next season. It's going to be a rollercoaster ride that's for sure.

Chris Hockenhull
4 Posted 13/06/2022 at 00:51:07

Daniel (3). I love it when those like me â€“ who haven't managed a sweet shop on the corner â€“ become experts on football management etc. Regarding his wife, she has major media contracts in the South and bearing that in mind young kids in school etc. I was also going to also state some obvious things butâ€¦ you know best.

Lee Courtliff
5 Posted 13/06/2022 at 07:50:32

Most likeable manager we've had since that wonderful first season under Bobby. And that was mainly because I was sick of hearing David Moyes downplay everything.

You can't appoint a young, relatively inexperienced manager...and then criticise him for being young and inexperienced! Frank is still learning, mistakes will be made. It's inevitable.

But he's got my support and I think we'll be playing some good, entertaining football under him.

Paul Kernot
6 Posted 13/06/2022 at 22:52:08

Daniel #3. Next season we'll be Leeds mark 2 then? Don't worry, I just read we're being taken over by a consortium of very interesting characters so Lampard will soon be the least of our concerns.

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