In a revealing interview, former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has opened up about his time playing alongside two of English football's most iconic midfielders, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Foster, who earned eight caps for England during his career, shared his candid thoughts on which of the two he believed possessed the qualities to succeed in management.
Foster's Insight into Lampard's Managerial Potential
During a conversation on The Managers podcast with Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis, Foster was asked which of his former teammates displayed the attributes of a future manager. After a brief pause, he pointed to Frank Lampard. "You could always see he was a very clever guy," Foster explained. "Even when he spoke, he sort of held the room a little bit. And I think that's a big skill to have."
Foster elaborated on the challenges of management, noting that it requires a unique fit with a club. "Management's so hard. Just certain clubs fit sometimes, don't they? They fit and that's it. And then you find your groove and your confidence gets higher, your reputation gets higher and you go off from there. You really just need a springboard sometimes," he said. He emphasized that Lampard had that potential from early on, making him stand out as a natural leader.
Contrasting Views on Steven Gerrard
When the discussion turned to Steven Gerrard, Foster was quick to admit that he never saw the Liverpool legend pursuing a career in management. "I wouldn't have ever thought that maybe he would have gone into management," Foster stated. "Yeah, I never thought he'd go into management."
Foster acknowledged that Gerrard, like many players, was football-obsessed, but he differentiated between mere passion and the analytical mindset required for management. "I've grown up with players who couldn't really be bothered to watch the telly if there's a game on, but you get other players that when there's a game on, they're not even talking to you. They're not looking at the phone, they're actually looking at the TV and they're analysing the game," he said. While Gerrard fell into the latter category, Foster did not perceive him as having the same commanding presence as Lampard.
Current Managerial Paths of Lampard and Gerrard
The contrasting perceptions align with their current careers. Steven Gerrard, after achieving success at Rangers in Scotland, had stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq but is currently without a managerial role. In contrast, Frank Lampard has found stability and success at Coventry City.
Lampard's managerial journey began at Derby County, followed by a return to Chelsea in 2019, a spell at Everton, and a caretaker role back at Stamford Bridge. Since joining Coventry in 2024, he has transformed the team, leading them to the top of the Championship table by nine points with just seven games remaining. This positions Coventry for automatic promotion to the Premier League, showcasing Lampard's growth and effectiveness as a manager.
Reflections on Leadership and Football Obsession
Foster's insights highlight the subtle differences between being a great player and a potential manager. He noted that while many players are dedicated to the sport, only a few, like Lampard, combine that passion with the ability to inspire and lead a team from the sidelines. "It's not just about loving football; it's about how you communicate and hold a room," Foster implied, underscoring the importance of interpersonal skills in management.
This perspective adds depth to the ongoing debate about which players transition successfully into management, offering a firsthand account from someone who shared the dressing room with two of England's finest midfielders.
