In Episode 2 of the Obi One Podcast, John Obi Mikel and Chris McHardy sit down for an extensive chat with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard. Widely considered Blues’ greatest ever player, ‘Super Frank’ opens up on his career journey, reveals the highs and lows of his managerial tenure at Chelsea and expresses regret at not landing Jude Bellingham.
As Chelsea’s leading goalscorer, Lampard’s insights are invaluable, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes machinations of top-tier football and the complexities of navigating a club’s hierarchy to secure fresh talent. His attempt to sign Bellingham speaks volumes about his vision for Chelsea’s future – a vision that, as he ruefully acknowledges, was cut short by the club’s decision-making processes.
Lampard’s interim stint at Stamford Bridge exposes a stark reality of modern football: the challenge of inspiring a team fraught with internal struggles and external pressures. His narrative is one of a passionate club icon grappling with the transient nature of success and the practical difficulties of instilling a winning ethos amidst turmoil.
Reflecting on historical moments, Lampard brings to the fore the controversial Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2009. His take on the refereeing decisions that night, coupled with Didier Drogba’s infamous reaction, is a must-listen for any football aficionado seeking to understand the raw emotions that fuel the beautiful game.
The conversation isn’t limited to professional woes; Lampard also provides an intimate account of his forced departure from Chelsea as a player. His emotional disclosure about being let go, despite his desire to stay, adds a personal dimension to his professional narrative, resonating with fans who remember his departure as the end of an era.
Listeners will be transported back to pivotal points in Lampard’s career, including glittering triumphs and painful goodbyes, gaining an unparalleled look into the life of a footballer whose legacy transcends his on-pitch achievements. This episode is a testament to the enduring spirit and evolving challenges of those who live for football.
Subscribe to the Obi One YouTube channel to witness the visual dynamics of these candid conversations, and stay tuned for subsequent episodes releasing every Monday featuring more football royalty. This episode’s revelations are just the beginning— join us on this journey through the past, present, and future of football with the stars who have shaped the game.
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Timecodes
00:00 – Intro
01:48 – Mikel’s praise for ‘Super Frank’
10:21 – What makes Lamps Chelsea’s greatest
12:53 – The grind behind the glory
16:05 – Mikel’s favourite Lampard tale
23:36 – The Mourinho effect
26:08 – Working with Villas-Boas
30:08 – Managing today’s stars
34:14 – Lampard on being the ‘Chosen One’
37:22 – Mourinho’s emotional Chelsea exit
43:55 – The incident that shaped the man
49:14 – Reliving Lampard’s greatest night
57:32 – The goal that haunted Chelsea
01:00:21 – Barca’s heist at the Bridge
01:07:22 – The rival that elevated Frank
01:13:15 – Lampard’s second Chelsea chapter
1:22:19 – Assessing Chelsea today
1:29:45 – JT’s call that never came
1:44:03 – Insights on the rising Blue Moon
1:52:17 – The Lampard-Scholes-Gerrard debate
1:56:32 – Lampard’s bid to sign Bellingham
