Chelsea Football Club have been plunged into another search for a head coach following the sudden departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day, sparking immediate speculation over his successor.
Lampard's Remarkable Revival at Coventry
Amid the names linked with the Stamford Bridge vacancy, one familiar figure has been touted for a potential sensational return. According to his former Chelsea and France teammate William Gallas, Frank Lampard could yet manage the Blues for a third time in his career.
The 46-year-old club legend is currently rejuvenating his managerial reputation at Coventry City in the Championship. Under his guidance, the Sky Blues have made a blistering start to the season and sit eight points clear at the top of the table. They are a commanding ten points ahead of third-placed Ipswich Town, putting them in pole position for a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001.
This success offers a stark contrast to Lampard's previous spells at Chelsea. His first tenure saw him secure Champions League football while promoting academy talents like Reece James and Mason Mount during a transfer embargo. He was replaced by Thomas Tuchel the following season. Lampard's second stint came as a caretaker in 2023 after Graham Potter's sacking, but he managed just one win from eleven games.
Chelsea's Search Begins After Maresca Exit
The west London club confirmed Maresca's exit in a statement on 1 January 2026. It read: "Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company... With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track."
The Italian did lead Chelsea to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup during his tenure. However, the club now moves into the next phase of the Todd Boehly era seeking a new leader.
Early favourites for the role include Liam Rosenior, Oliver Glasner, and Andoni Iraola. While Lampard is currently considered an outsider in the betting markets, Gallas believes the door at Stamford Bridge may not be permanently closed to him.
Gallas Backs Lampard for Future Chelsea Return
Speaking in March of last year, Gallas outlined a potential path back to Chelsea for his old teammate. "After what happened to Frank Lampard, we had to be patient," Gallas said. "He is doing well right now with Coventry City, if he can give them the chance to get into the Premier League that would be the best thing for him."
Gallas suggested that success with another Premier League side, perhaps achieving European qualification, could pave the way for a future reunion. "That would give him more experience and then one day, we could see him at Chelsea again," he added.
For now, Lampard's focus remains firmly on Coventry, who are set to back him in the January transfer window. Should he achieve promotion, a fascinating subplot would be a potential Premier League meeting with his former club, though he will not be facing Maresca in the opposite dugout.
Chelsea's immediate task is to appoint a manager who can stabilise the season and chase the club's remaining objectives, which include the coveted prize of Champions League qualification.
