Frank Lampard Warns Mikel Arteta Ahead Of Chelsea-Arsenal Meeting

Frank Lampard has warned Mikel Arteta about the honeymoon period ahead of the London derby.

“He was always an intelligent player, so I don’t buy the whole inexperienced thing. You don’t know until you take the chance with somebody,” said the Chelsea boss.

“Who’s to say a manger is better or worse if they are in their first or 50th year of management? There is a difference in being the No 1. There were challenges daily – he would have seen that at City, but he would have observed it more, as a big support for Guardiola. Now it’s his turn to make those decisions.

“From the years he’s had there working with Guardiola, at a huge successful club, that puts him in great stead. Now it will be purely be about Arteta, his quality, can he get Arsenal to the position they want to be in?

“The honeymoon period doesn’t go on for ever- and it shouldn’t do. But I think fans will have a feeling for Arteta and want him to do well as being one of their own.”

Lampard added: “I wouldn’t say I thrive on the decisions – it’s the job. I do it to try and be successful. I’m not a control freak, but if a decision needs to be made for the benefit of the club, that is my job.

“You have to have good people around you. Arteta has put his staff together – he knows he’ll rely on them. I am sure Guardiola relied on his – I certainly rely on mine. As a player Mikel seemed to be a leader in whatever teams he played in. It looks like he could be well suited to management. I wish him well – but obviously not today!”