Ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard makes bold managerial decision amid desire to return

The former Chelsea player and manager Frank Lampard has reportedly ruled himself out of the running to take on the role of Canada’s new head coach, despite being keen to return to management.

Ex-Blues and Everton head coach was a surprise candidate for the role with the Canadian team’s interest in him emerging earlier this month. If he had taken on the role, Lampard would have led the side to the 2026 World Cup which they will be co-hosting with the United States and Canada.

According to a recent report from The Telegraph, however, the 45-year-old former midfielder has taken himself out of contention following initial talks with the Canadian Football Federation. He has, however, confirmed that he would still wish to get back into management.

The ex-Toffees boss attended England’s training sessions ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium last month and said: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point. Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working against but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.

“You love the job. You understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with. They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”

Lampard has been out of work since ending the 2022/23 season as the Blues’ interim manager. The former England international’s first job in management saw him take Derby County to the 2019 Championship play-offs but they subsequently lost to Aston Villa.

He then started his first spell as Chelsea boss two months later, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the Championship League and the FA Cup final - in which they lost to Arsenal. The three-time Premier League winner then took over from Rafael Benitez at Everton, guiding them to safety. He would, however, be sacked less than a year into the job after a run of one win in 11 games saw the Toffees sitting 19th in the table.

Canada have been on the lookout for a new manager since John Herdman resigned at the end of August to take over as Toronto FC’s head coach in the MLS. Herdman’s former assistant Mauro Biello has worked as the interim manager for the past eight months.