Reputed pundit feels Lampard could face the sack if this objective is not met

Craig Burley believes it is top four or bust for Frank Lampard at Chelsea

Speaking on ESPN FC (h/t The Express), football pundit Craig Burley believes Chelsea will part ways with manager Frank Lampard if the club misses out on a top-four finish.

Chelsea came into the 2020/21 campaign after a summer of heavy investment. Considered to be title challengers at one point of time, an assault at the Premier League now looks doubtful after three losses in four games.

“Lampard is back on the chopping board currently as we speak.”

With two games to come in the next six days, the margin of error is now very small.

Burley believes a myriad of factors such as loss of form and injuries have seen the club struggle to match the tempo showcased earlier in the season.

“They have gone from looking one of the paciest, quickest sides in the Premier League, to one of the most pedestrian.”

Roman Abramovich is not to endure fools and Burley believes Lampard is safe for now. However, that would cease to be the case if he fails to secure a top-four finish.

A crisis on multiple fronts?

To add to Lampard’s woes, summer signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz are struggling to make an impact on the pitch. Add to it Hakim Ziyech’s injury woes and the Blues boss has a lot on his plate.

Lampard has been given the resources to ensure the Blues challenge once again for the top. The current crisis at Chelsea is a test to his managerial ability and interpersonal skills.

One would get the impression that how he delivers under pressure will set the tone for his managerial future.

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Chelsea face an in-form Aston Villa side at Stamford Bridge on Monday. The Villans are not to be underestimated and will need to be dealt with respect.

Lampard was stinging in his criticism of the team after the loss to Arsenal. It is time for his players to step up and show a positive reaction. At the end of the day, he is the one who shoulders the burden of their failures.