The festive period not only means an exchange of gifts and general merriment at Stamford Bridge, but it also means the potential opportunity for fresh meat. In May earlier this year, the Blues were hit with the news that they would be unable to make any transfers for the next two windows making them outsiders in the Premiership odds. Of course, the club appealed the decision, which has since been lifted ahead of the January window.
The summer months were tough with Maurizio Sarri leaving to manage Juventus in Serie A less than a year after his appointment. But club legend Frank Lampard stepped up to take charge of the west London club, even though he knew he would inherit a squad he could not change until at least January 2020.
Their current campaign
Given that no signings were made in the summer, and a new, relatively inexperienced manager has taken charge, Chelsea have made a solid impact on the league table. Before seizing the helm of Chelsea, Lampard had been in charge of Derby County, but only for one season. It was a scary concept, but if there was one man who could continue and perhaps enhance the club’s fortunes, it would be Lamps.
It was a ropey start to say the least. The first game of the season against Manchester United ended in a 4-0 onslaught. On paper Chelsea managed to out-pass, out-shoot, and out-play United, they just failed to convert any of their seven shots on target.
The side brushed themselves off and prepared for their Super Cup Final against Liverpool which was set to take place just three days later. Although the side lost 5-4 on penalties, they looked confident on the pitch and fans started to realise their faith was well placed in Lampard.
Now the club sit in fourth position, winning nine of their 16 games so far and five points clear of Manchester United in fifth place. Although Liverpool seem somewhat untouchable with an eight-point lead over Leicester City in second, the Foxes have shown that perseverance will enable clubs to reach the higher end of the table. After all, it was only a short time ago we saw Tottenham Hotspur sitting in 14th position looking as though they were headed for the drop zone.
What happens in January?
Although the club is having a successful campaign so far, the January transfer window could be an opportunity to expand the squad and Lampard has been honest about his intentions to recruit.
However, there are plenty of Blues fans who are desperate for Lamps to keep the squad as it is. With such a youthful side performing with incredible success, some are worried that any little impact on the squad could damage the future of their campaign. Lampard responded to fans with this: “We’re on a good run, I get that.
“That’s a nice feeling. Some players have come in and shown they can do roles and play well. We are getting results but at the minute I’m very happy with what I’ve got so I suppose that’s why the fans are as well.”
Showing that he is listening to the fans and he understands. But with owner Roman Abramovich and Chairman Bruce Buck announcing they will ‘splash the cash’ in the next transfer window, it would be easy to succumb to temptation.
