Frank Lampard’s success at Chelsea is ‘no surprise’ to former team-mate Michael Ballack who says he would always prepare thoroughly for games
- Frank Lampard has enjoyed a strong start to his life as Chelsea manager
- Lampard has successfully blended youth with experience since taking over
- Old team-mate Michael Ballack tipped him for success when both were playing
Frank Lampard’s strong start to his time as Chelsea manager is no shock to former team-mate Michael Ballack.
Chelsea have started the season well with Lampard guiding them to fourth in the Premier League.
The Blues are also top of their Champions League group following away wins over Lille and Ajax.
Michael Ballack isn’t surprised of how well Frank Lampard is doing as Chelsea manager
Ballack, who played with Lampard from 2006 to 2010 at Stamford Bridge, is pleased to see his old team-mate do well but never had any doubts of him thriving as a manager.
Ballack told Sky Sports: ‘No, not really, because if you are talented – if you know football and if you are a really hard worker, which he was always as a player – I could imagine he’s the same as a coach, and obviously he is.
Ballack, who won the league once and the FA Cup twice during his time at Chelsea, added that Lampard has always adopted an analytical approach and that will continue to serve him well.
Lampard has successfully blended youth with experience during his early time as Blues boss
‘I think he likes to prepare well before a game and that’s really important as a manager, to have that talent to actually prepare things and not thinking you know the game and that’s it,’ said Ballack.
‘I think managing is much more than understanding football. It’s a lot about preparing and also dealing with human beings in a certain way and this is a process, and even when he’s just starting that process, he’s already doing that on a high, high level, and I think he can be a very good manager.’
Christian Pulisic is surrounded by his team-mates after scoring Chelsea’s third against Burnley