Can These Former Premier League Midfield Heroes be Successful in Management?

In recent years, former greats of England’s top division of football have been handed a variety of managerial and coaching opportunities.

While the transition from dictating Premier League matches to barking orders from the touchline is tricky to become accustomed to, there are a few midfield orchestrators that have the potential to become managerial successes throughout their coaching careers.

Following that, we’re going to look at some of the former Premier League greats than can create new legacies as managers.

Frank Lampard

On May 31st 2018, Derby County unveiled Frank Lampard as their manager on a three-year deal, and after a successful opening campaign with the Rams, the former midfielder returned to Chelsea in a managerial capacity one year later.

Following Maurizio Sarri’s departure to Juventus shortly after winning the Europa League, the Englishman’s appointment came during a troubled time.

With star player Eden Hazard departing for Real Madrid, and a transfer ban restricting any incoming activity, Lampard was tasked with adopting a youthful approach for the upcoming season.

 

 

Even though Chelsea currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League table after the opening six games, there is plenty of reason for optimism at Stamford Bridge.

Tammy Abraham has already scored seven league goals, while Mason Mount, who Lampard managed during his time at Derby, has three goals to his name. Moreover, in Chelsea’s most recent Premier League clash with Liverpool, Fikayo Tomori received extensive praise for his individually dominating performance in the heart of the defence.

Chelsea are 15/8 with Premier League betting to finish in the top four, and although Lampard hasn’t had things easy thus far, early indications suggest that the Englishman has the credentials to consistently maintain Champions League football and enjoy a successful career as a top-flight manager.

Mikel Arteta

Unlike some of the others on this list, Mikel Arteta has yet to experience management in the traditional sense. Despite that, however, the Spaniard is being tipped for great things when he does take over the reins of a top-level club.

After a successful playing career in England, Arteta established himself as one of the league’s most talented midfielders, and, in 2016, was appointed as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

 

Mikel Arteta 2” (CC BY 2.0) by Ronnie Macdonald

 

Although there are no indications that Guardiola is set to leave the Manchester Club anytime soon, the two-time Premier League-winning manager believes that Arteta is the perfect man to replace him.

Before Unai Emery was appointed as the manager of Arsenal, the former midfielder was one of the frontrunners for the job, but ultimately missed out. While Guardiola is likely to move on in the coming years after declaring that City wouldn’t be his last managerial role, an appointment such as Arteta would give the reigning champions long-term continuity.

What Does the Future Hold?

Of course, there are no certainties that either Arteta or Lampard will succeed in management, but the odds appear favourable.

Having learnt from the likes of Arsene Wenger, Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola throughout their careers, they are both fully aware of what it takes to be successful in the Premier League.