Frank Lampard reveals plans after final Chelsea game
Frank Lampard took pride in Chelsea's final performance of his spell as interim manager while announcing that he was going to take a 'break" from management.
Chelsea have slumped to a raft of record lows this term but managed to rally after falling behind at home to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon. Anthony Gordon scored his first goal for the Magpies in the opening ten minutes but Kieran Trippier inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net after a slick set-piece routine inside half an hour.
Nevertheless, a 1-1 draw was not enough to lift Chelsea any higher than 12th place - while Newcastle revelled in their first top-four finish in two decades. Lampard won just one of his 11 games across all competitions after returning to Stamford Bridge in April.
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The Blues outshot Newcastle 22 to 13 and boasted the lion's share of possession, prompting Lampard to tell BBC's Match of the Day: "I think [we should have won]. We played like a Chelsea team should at home; more threat, more confident than we've been and we created chances. They did too but they are a good team; nothing to play for gave them freedom. You have to be careful not to get into a transitional game with Newcastle because they are a running team."
Lampard didn't win a single game at Stamford Bridge during his temporary spell but was treated to a warm reception from the fans that remembered his playing days. "It was nice [to say goodbye to the fans]," Lampard said. "I really appreciate them.
"Chelsea fans understand the tough position we were in when I came here. Although we haven't got the results we want this season, it is what it is. I'm not too nostalgic, I've got a great bond with the club and I'll be back many times.
On the same day, Everton avoided relegation thanks to a 1-0 win over Bournemouth. Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the only goal of the game but had been frozen out by Lampard before the former England international was sacked by the Toffees in January. Regardless, Lampard revealed: "I'm really happy for Everton. I know there are people who care of that club; fair play, it is a huge football club and deserves to be in the Premier League."
At 44, Lampard is one of the younger managers in England's top flight but is planning to take a moment to breathe after a desperately unsuccessful return to west London. "I'll have a break," he revealed, "it has been quite intense. I wasn't in that mode, I had to get in the mode. I've given it my all, we'll see what happens."
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