Frank Lampard has been told he could manage Chelsea for a third time as Enzo Maresca goes

Chelsea are looking for another new manager following the departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year's Day

Frank Lampard has previously been told by a former colleague that he could return to Chelsea for a third stint, as the Blues look for a new manager following Enzo Maresca's departure. While there's no suggestion Lampard will be back at Stamford Bridge just yet, with Liam Rosenior the favourite to replace Maresca, he has held the reins at Chelsea twice before, with mixed results.

The Stamford Bridge icon secured Champions League qualification during his initial tenure, successfully integrating young talents such as Reece James and Mason Mount into the squad amidst a transfer embargo.

However, he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel during the following season. The 46-year-old was then brought back on an interim basis in 2023 after Graham Potter's dismissal, but managed only a single victory from 11 matches.

Lampard has since taken up the managerial role at Coventry City, where he is making significant strides in the Championship. The Sky Blues are currently leading the pack, eight points clear at the top after a scintillating start to the season.

They're 10 points ahead of third-placed Ipswich Town, putting them in prime position for Premier League promotion. The Chelsea legend is flourishing in the Midlands, with Coventry set to support him in the upcoming January transfer window.

This contrasts sharply with his former club and Enzo Maresca, who parted ways on New Year's Day. The west London outfit are now searching for their next manager under Todd Boehly's ownership, with Rosenior emerging as the leading candidate for the role.

Whilst there's no indication that Lampard will be considered for a third tenure at present – he's currently amongst the longer odds in the betting – his former team-mate Gallas believes another return in years to come cannot be ruled out.

Speaking in March last year, Gallas said: "After what happened to Frank Lampard, we had to be patient. 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.

"But you never know, he could go back. That's why it's good for him to improve and do something really good with another Premier League team in the future, maybe helping them into Europe in the Europa League or Champions League.

"That would give him more experience and then one day, we could see him at Chelsea again. But right now, I don't know. The best thing that can happen for him now is Coventry City to go to the Premier League. That will be the best story for him."

Coventry's promotion to the Premier League for the first time since 2001 appears an increasingly realistic prospect. Nevertheless, should former Chelsea midfielder Lampard guide them to the top flight, he won't be facing Maresca in the Stamford Bridge technical area following his exit.

In a statement confirming the Italian's departure, the Blues said: "Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company.

"During his time at the Club, Enzo led the team to success in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Those achievements will remain an important part of the Club's recent history, and we thank him for his contributions to the Club.

"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. We wish Enzo well for the future."