Chelsea fans rejoiced on Friday when the transfer ban was reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The club can now sign players in January, but is that a good thing for the manager? Does the reduction of the ban increase the pressure on Lampard?
The Chelsea legend has undoubtedly been a success since coming into the hot-seat at Stamford Bridge, despite not being able to sign any new players in his first transfer window. He recalled several players previously out on loan and has created a pathway for academy graduates to come into the first team.
The inability to sign new players puts you at an absolute disadvantage, especially in modern times. Whilst your rivals strengthen and splash the cash you can do nothing. It is fair to assume that expectations will have been lowered for Lampard because of this.
However, that allowance has now gone. Chelsea can go out and sign players again. If the board takes the same approach as they have with other managers, then the pressure will certainly mount for Lampard.
Only Jose Mourinho has spent over three years in one spell as manager since Roman Abramovich took over the club. Since then, 11 different managers have spent time with the Blues, and 11 have gone just as quickly.
Lampard will be hoping that his iconic Chelsea legacy and friendship with Abramovich will help him keep the pressure off. He will hope that the board shows greater patience than they have with any other manager in the last decade.
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