Rookie manager Frank Lampard is facing a shock to system

Alan Smith20 September 2019

In his efforts to tighten things up, Frank Lampard switched to three at the back for Chelsea’s 5-2 win at Wolves.

Not surprisingly, he stuck with that system for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Valencia, which did not go so well.

Chelsea’s young manager obviously wants to find a formation that suits his players and produces results. For the moment, his latest attempt cannot be deemed a success, not until the team rack up a few clean sheets.

Mind you, just the one shutout would work wonders if it came against this vibrant Liverpool team. It would infuse some much-needed confidence into defenders responsible for conceding far too many goals.

So how does Lampard go about containing the Reds? Does he stick with a three that can quickly turn into five when Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino start calling the tune?

In Pictures | Champions League: Chelsea v Valencia | 17.09.19

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Or does he switch back again to a back four, the system in place at Chelsea when Lampard won so much as a player?

These are difficult decisions for one so inexperienced as a manager, especially when you are trying to subdue such a marvellous side.

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