Frank Lampard: Coventry Manager Expresses Sympathy for Tom Cleverley Amid Job Speculation

Lampard returned to management in England’s second tier in November, having started his managerial career at the same level with Derby County in 2018.

In between his stints in the Championship, the former midfielder, who enjoyed a highly successful playing career, had high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful spells at Chelsea—where he had great success as a player—and at Everton.

Cleverley began his managerial career at Watford, taking interim charge after Valerien Ismael’s sacking in March 2024.

“I understand the challenges, being a young English coach coming into a club and dealing with people’s expectations, how they view you,” Lampard told BBC CWR.

“He was a very good player, possibly underrated, with a top career. I had a lot of respect for him then, and I have even more respect for him now as he steps into management.”

Lampard praised Cleverley’s approach to management, saying, “I think he’s done very well in how he’s worked and how he’s tried to establish an identity with the way they play.”

Looking ahead to their upcoming clash at the CBS Arena, Lampard said he “looks forward” to facing Cleverley’s team. A win for Coventry would bring them within three points of Watford and increase the pressure on Cleverley.

“I know they’re in a bit of a tough run right now, but they’re still in the playoff race, for sure,” Lampard said. “That’s not easy, and I never make too many assumptions from the outside because I know how tough our jobs are. I think he’s doing a really good job.”