Can Frank Lampard finally prove himself as a Premier League manager?

Fifteen years have passed since their last top-flight outing, a goalless draw with bottom side Bradford City, as they were relegated alongside Manchester City and the Bantams.

The Sky Blues' journey has taken them to the depths of League Two, and despite coming close to returning to the Premier League under Mark Robins, it is Frank Lampard who has orchestrated their return.

Lampard has pedigree in this division, having managed both Chelsea and Everton, but question marks remain over his ability to manage at the highest level.

Could this be the season when the 48-year-old finally silences his doubters?

An encouraging start at Chelsea

Following an encouraging spell as Derby County manager, during which he suffered a heartbreaking play-off final loss, Lampard was given the incredible opportunity to manage the club where he achieved legend status as a player, Chelsea.

The Englishman followed in the footsteps of Maurizio Sarri, who had delivered the UEFA Europa League title as his parting gift, marking a stark change in how the club appointed managers.

Expectations were certainly lower for Lampard as he had to cope with a transfer ban and the sale of world-class winger Eden Hazard, and he was responsible for handing opportunities to academy players such as Reece James, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham.

Super Frank guided the Blues to a fourth-place finish in his first season, securing Champions League football, and reached the FA Cup final, but things took a turn the following campaign.

The former England international began the 2020/21 season well enough, losing just two of 19 games in all competitions, but a holiday season slump saw them drop to ninth following five defeats in eight Premier League games.

Lampard was sacked, but he still had credit in the bank.

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Everton and Chelsea stints dent Frank Lampard's reputation

A year later, Lamps rocked up at Everton with the club four points above the relegation zone following the controversial reign of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.

There was no new manager bounce, with results remaining consistent, but the former Blues boss picked up statement wins over Manchester United and Chelsea before a sensational turnaround against Crystal Palace that saw them avoid the drop.

Alas, financial issues at the club prevented them from doing any serious business the following summer, with top scorer Richarlison sold to Tottenham for £50million.

The Merseyside club then went on an abysmal run, losing 11 of 14 games in all competitions, as Lampard was again sacked in the New Year.

Just three months later, the Englishman was back at the helm of Chelsea, albeit in a caretaker role, where he notched just one win in 11, essentially ending any hope of another Premier League job.

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Rebuilding at Coventry City

The Championship has been a happy hunting ground for Lampard, and it is a division where the 48-year-old has cemented himself as one of the best managers.

Coventry made the bold decision to part ways with long-serving, successful manager Robins in November 2024, with the club languishing in 17th, but the decision was divisive among supporters due to the faith they had in Robins to turn things around.

Given that Lampard not only had to hit the ground running but also had to convince a bulk of supporters who loved his predecessor, what followed cannot be underestimated. 

The former Toffees boss skyrocketed the Sky Blues up the table, finishing in fifth, only to lose to Sunderland, who would go on to reach the top flight, in the play-off semi-finals after a last-gasp Dan Ballard goal in the second leg.

Despite the manner of their defeat, Lamps kept the momentum rolling into the 205/26 season, embarking on a run of 12 Championship games without defeat and despite a minor blip in the New Year, Coventry rolled on to lift the title.

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While the Sky Blues are understandably among the favourites to go down, many are backing them as the one promoted side to stay up due to their managerial continuity and squad quality.

Lampard's biggest challenge is whether he can adapt his side to compete in the Premier League and become dangerous out of possession through transitions.

The Sky Blues have spent around £130million already, with club-record signing Caleb Yirenki tipped to shine in central midfield, but the most eye-catching acquisition for me is Taiwo Awoniyi.

Sunderland and Leeds United both thrived with target men last season in Brian Brobbey and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Awoniyi has the physicality and quality to make the same kind of impact in the West Midlands.

Make no mistake, this is Lampard's grandest test to date, and he knows it; if he can keep Coventry in the Premier League, then it will go a long way to securing his status as a competent Premier League manager.

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.