It seems Burnley is considering Frank Lampard and Steve Cooper as potential replacements for Vincent Kompany, who is reportedly set to become the manager of Bayern Munich. Both Lampard and Cooper are without clubs currently, with Lampard departing from Chelsea in 2023 and Cooper leaving Nottingham Forest in December of the same year.
Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich is expected to be confirmed, with Burnley set to receive compensation of just over £10 million. This leaves Burnley in need of a new manager, and Lampard and Cooper are among the candidates being considered for the role at Turf Moor.
Cooper and Lampard on Burnley’s shortlist
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Burnley’s wishlist for their next manager includes Frank Lampard and Steve Cooper as potential replacements for Vincent Kompany. Nixon suggests that Burnley’s owner and chairman, Alan Pace, would prefer a manager who has experience with promotions, a criterion that Cooper meets. However, Lampard’s high-profile status in the football world makes him an attractive candidate despite not having a promotion on his CV.
Nixon also indicates that Burnley has three potential candidates in mind for the role, and they are not expected to encounter issues with wages and bonuses in securing their preferred choice. This suggests that Burnley is prepared to invest in securing the right manager for the club’s future.
Cooper would be safer option
It seems that Steve Cooper could indeed be an excellent fit for Burnley as they aim for a swift return to the Premier League. Cooper’s track record at Nottingham Forest, where he engineered a remarkable turnaround and secured promotion to the Premier League, speaks volumes about his capabilities as a manager in the Championship.
Cooper’s success at Forest, particularly his ability to transform a struggling side into promotion contenders in a short period, highlights his tactical acumen and man-management skills. His departure from Forest left many fans disappointed, underscoring the belief in his abilities among supporters.
Given Burnley’s ambition to bounce back to the Premier League promptly, Cooper’s proven track record in the Championship makes him an attractive option. If he can replicate his previous success and guide Burnley to promotion, it would undoubtedly bolster his credentials for another opportunity in Premier League management.
Lampard would be a big gamble
Vincent Kompany’s tenure at Burnley was initially met with skepticism due to his lack of managerial experience despite his illustrious playing career. While he impressed in the Championship, guiding Burnley to success in the second tier, he struggled to replicate that success in the Premier League. This highlights the challenges of transitioning from player to manager and the complexities of top-flight management.
Similarly, Frank Lampard’s managerial career has been under scrutiny, despite his iconic status as a player. While he brings global recognition and charisma, there are doubts surrounding his tactical acumen and ability to manage at the highest level. Lampard’s time at Chelsea and Derby County showcased both his potential and areas for improvement, leaving question marks about his readiness for a managerial role at a club like Burnley.
In both cases, the allure of a big name comes with inherent risks and uncertainties about their managerial abilities. While their playing careers may have garnered them respect and admiration, success in management requires a different skill set and mindset. Burnley, or any club considering a high-profile appointment, must carefully assess whether the candidate’s reputation aligns with their managerial capabilities and the club’s long-term vision.
| Frank Lampard managerial record, per Transfermarkt | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Club | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Chelsea | 45 | 17 | 33 |
| Everton | 12 | 8 | 24 |
| Derby County | 26 | 15 | 16 |
Indeed, Frank Lampard’s most successful stint as a manager thus far came during his time at Derby County in the Championship. Under his leadership, Derby County secured a playoff spot and eventually reached the playoff final, showcasing Lampard’s ability to navigate the challenges of the second tier and guide a team to success in high-pressure situations.
However, despite this achievement, there remain uncertainties surrounding Lampard’s managerial capabilities, particularly in terms of his performance at the highest level. As you mentioned, his potential appointment by Burnley would indeed represent a significant gamble, especially considering the availability of other proven managers like Steve Cooper, who have demonstrated success in the Championship.
While Lampard’s name recognition and previous success in the second tier may make him an attractive option for Burnley, the club must carefully weigh the risks and benefits of such an appointment, especially if there are other candidates with a more established track record in Championship management, such as Cooper. Ultimately, Burnley’s decision will likely hinge on finding the right balance between ambition and pragmatism in their managerial appointment.
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