SHORT THREAD

WHY FRANK'S CHELSEA HAD 'NO TACTICS'

A common criticism of Lampards Chelsea is that there were "no tactical instructions given to players", "no system", "just go out and run", "cross and inshallah", etc

This is a result of Lampard attempting to implement the same systems that brought him success as a player

Franks (and Chelsea's) best seasons came under Mourinho and Ancelotti - two very different coaches, who shared one thing in common - they gave their best attackers freedom in the offensive phase, allowing them to express themselves without rigid circuits on field

This same style has found success recently in Europe, most famously for Real under Zidane. With elite attackers, he gave them the freedom to do as they please in attack, resulting in tremendous success, particularly in knockout football

I personally believe this is a brilliant approach to take - with the right players. Someone like Ronaldo operates better with freedom, rather than circuit football (as seen in his season under Sarri).

However, we didn't have the players to implement this at Chelsea

It's one thing to give "freedom to express yourself" to prime Drogba, Lampard, Joe Cole, Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale, etc

It's another thing to give that "freedom" to young players still trying to find their place in world football

The results were clear:

Young, Chelsea products with a point to prove (Mount, CHO, Tammy) tried hardest to express themselves, constantly working hard, and were consequently our best performers at times

Players like Puli, Ziyech, tried too hard - at times it was magic. Other times, with lack of direction, they were trying passes and dribbles beyond their capabilities and thus being wasteful, rather than finding the easier option.

Big signings like Werner and Havertz struggled. Werner worked hard throughout, but couldn't find his place in the squad. Havertz was less successful, struggling to find the space and centrality he was used to in the BuLi.

As a result, the players ended up working towards the easy option - find a free fullback, and cross into the box

Unfortunately, Lampards ideal football can't be achieved with this team - we saw glimpses of if, but I suspect his best success as manager will come with star players