Chelsea's interim manager, Frank Lampard, dismissed the idea that James Corden had a hand in his Stamford Bridge comeback.
The Blues sacked Graham Potter earlier this month after the club dropped to 11th place in the Premier League.
Surely out of the Champions League next season, Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly brought Lampard in to save face. But now reports suggest that James Corden may have influenced Boehly's management decision.
The English actor and comedian befriended the American owner the past year, spending nights out in London. Corden also attended a match at Stamford Bridge this season in the club's special Directors' Lounge.
Boehly purportedly asked the actor for hiring advice amid Chelsea's struggles under Potter. And Corden recommended bringing back the Chelsea legend.
Corden and Lampard became acquainted through the Sky program “A League of Their Own,” where Lampard's cousin, Jamie Redknapp, serves as a team captain.
Lampard sets the record straight over Corden recommendation
Boehly's decision to hire Lampard adds fuel to the fire of the chaos brewing at the West London club. The American has spent over $600 million on acquiring new players since he took over last May.
Lampard wants to set the record straight that there's no nepotism in Chelsea's latest hiring.
The former England international had already tried his luck as Chelsea's boss for 18 months before getting sacked in January 2001. That same team won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel that season.
Everton fired Lampard this January after 357 days at the Premier League club.
Lampard addressed the buzz in a press conference ahead of Chelsea's quarter-final Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
“I saw the headline about James Corden. I'm absolutely not aware if it's true or not. But it's obviously a great headline to put together, casually, from the outside,” said Lampard.
“So I think when I look at the success of Todd Boehly, the owners of Chelsea football club, I think you have to respect that success and respect the idea that they will probably make decisions based on more than a conversation with one person.
“So that's as much as I'm going to give your two questions.”
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Photo: Twitter/ChelsTransfer
