A Comeback in Coventry
After struggling in his previous managerial roles at Chelsea and Everton, Frank Lampard is finally finding his footing again. His appointment as Coventry City’s manager in November, when the Sky Blues were languishing in 17th place in the Championship, seemed like a risky move. However, three months later, it’s starting to look like a stroke of genius. Under Lampard’s guidance, Coventry has surged up the table and is now just one point away from the play-off positions. With a record of seven wins in their last eight games, the team’s confidence is palpable, and the fans are buzzing with optimism.
The Brain Behind the Success
Lampard’s success at Coventry isn’t just a matter of tactical acumen; it’s also a testament to his exceptional intelligence. The former Chelsea legend is no ordinary football manager; he boasts an IQ of 150, placing him in the top one to two percent of Britain’s brainiest individuals. He told SunSport, "It’s true, I do have an IQ of 150! I was tested at Chelsea in the aftermath of John Terry getting kicked in the head in the Carabao Cup final. Our doctor, Brian English, made us do IQ tests to establish a baseline in case of head injuries. I just breezed it." Despite his high score, Lampard remains humble, adding, "My score of 150 just beat my wife, Christine, which was the best thing about it. She was just below me, but I think she’s smarter than me—at least it feels that way in the house!"
From Schoolboy to Superstar
Lampard’s intellectual prowess didn’t start with his professional career. As a schoolboy, he was already a standout student, dreaming of following in his father’s footsteps and making it as a professional player with West Ham. "I got 11 GCSEs. Four or five A passes, the rest Bs and one C, as well as one A-star-plus for Latin!" he recalls. His academic achievements set the foundation for a successful career both on and off the pitch. Despite the challenges he faced at Chelsea and Everton, Lampard’s smart decisions and strategic thinking are now paying off at Coventry, where he has turned a struggling team into a contender.
Embracing the Managerial Challenge
After his playing career, Lampard enjoyed a year as a TV pundit, but he quickly realized that management was his true calling. "I loved the day-to-day involvement of being a manager. I love the challenge, with all of its frustrations," he says. While the media life is easier, Lampard is driven by his passion for the game. "It’s not a monetary thing. I’m 46 years of age. I love working and I’m doing something I love to do," he explains. Despite the criticism he has faced, Lampard remains undeterred. "I’ve been criticized before by former team-mates. Does it feel like betrayal? No, I’m pretty balanced about it now," he adds. His experience in management has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and pressures of the job, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs with a clear mind.
The Golden Generation and the Weight of Expectations
Lampard is acutely aware of the pressures faced by the so-called "Golden Generation" of English football, many of whom have struggled in managerial roles. Ex-England teammates like Wayne Rooney, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Steven Gerrard have all faced criticism and setbacks. "Anyone that goes into this job as an ex-player who’s had a highly regarded career should get a lot of credit because you understand that there’s a bigger fall for you," he reflects. Despite the challenges, Lampard remains optimistic. "It’s a fallacy. It’s just a fallacy. It’s nonsense," he says, pointing to the success of managers like Zinedine Zidane, Carlo Ancelotti, Johan Cruyff, and Pep Guardiola. He is determined to prove that great players can indeed make great managers.
Looking Forward
With Coventry poised to make a run for the play-offs, Lampard is focused on continuing his upward trajectory. The team’s recent form is a testament to his tactical acumen and leadership. As they prepare for their upcoming match against Oxford United, the confidence is high, and the atmosphere is electric. Lampard’s journey from a struggling manager to a rising star at Coventry is a story of resilience, intelligence, and a deep passion for the game. Whether he will achieve the success he craves remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Frank Lampard is back, and he’s ready to prove that he belongs in the top tier of English football.
