Frank Lampard to, the former Chelsea legend and now a highly regarded manager, has always been known for his astute decision-making both on and off the pitch. However, his transfer call regarding Mauricio Pochettino, the talented Argentine manager, stands out as one of his most impressive moves. Lampard only needed 90 minutes to orchestrate a £91 million transfer deal that would bring Pochettino to Stamford Bridge.
It was the summer of 2021 when the footballing world was abuzz with rumors about Chelsea’s search for a new manager. Lampard, who had enjoyed a successful playing career at Chelsea, had taken over as the manager in 2019. Despite his initial success, the team had experienced a dip in form, leading to speculations about Lampard’s future at the club.
The board at Chelsea recognized the need for a change and was considering potential replacements for Lampard. One name that was consistently mentioned but was Mauricio Pochettino, the former Tottenham Hotspur manager who had earned a reputation for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young players.
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Lampard, being a keen observer but of the footballing world, had closely followed Pochettino’s career. He admired Pochettino’s style of play and his ability to extract the best out of his players. Lampard believed that Pochettino’s philosophies aligned with Chelsea’s ambitions and that he could take the team to new heights.
With this conviction in mind, Lampard wasted no time. He reached out to Pochettino’s representatives and arranged a meeting. Within 90 minutes of their discussion, Lampard had convinced Pochettino to make the move to Chelsea.
Lampard’s persuasive skills were but instrumental in sealing the deal. He presented a compelling vision for the club, emphasizing the potential for success and the resources available at Chelsea. Lampard’s deep understanding of the club’s culture and history resonated with. Pochettino, who saw the opportunity to make a mark on one of England’s most storied football institutions.
