Could it be an awkward reunion? BBC sign up Frank Lampard AND Petr Cech to boost their Euro 2020 punditry team… even though ex-Chelsea boss and his sporting director’s relationship was ‘strained’ before his sacking
- Frank Lampard was sacked as Chelsea manager mid-way through last season
- Blues’ sporting director is Petr Cech and relationship between pair was ‘strained’
- Former team-mates were on opposite sides of the divide on Stamford Bridge
- Now they will both be colleagues as pundits on BBC for the Euros this summer
Frank Lampard and Petr Cech could be in for an awkward reunion in the BBC studio as pundits for the Euros.
The Chelsea legends were close as team-mates for the Blues but the dynamic changed during Lampard’s time as manager with the former goalkeeper in his role as sporting director.
According to the Telegraph, the relationship between the pair was ‘strained’ prior to Lampard’s sacking in January after 18 months in the job.
Frank Lampard (left) and Petr Cech (right) had a ‘strained’ relationship earlier this year
The duo will add to the BBC line-up, with Gary Lineker (centre) leading the coverage, with (left-right) Eilidh Barbour, Rio Ferdinand, Jermaine Jenas, Ashley Williams, Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, Micah Richards and Shelley Kerr signed up
They report that even though the manager publicly praised the role of Cech, it was a different story behind the scenes.
Lampard and Cech were on different sides of the divide and the Czech was loyal to director Marina Granovskaia.
Cech also juggled his new duties with training on a daily basis despite having previously retired and he even made an appearance in goal for the Under-23s in December.
It remains to be seen whether the relationship between Lampard and Cech is still strained but it could come under the microscope in the TV studio over the coming weeks.
Cech, Chelsea’s sporting director, was on the other side of the divide to Lampard
The BBC have secured the services of both men to add insight and analysis for their Euro 2020 coverage.
A BBC statement read: ‘Representing England 106 times and scoring 29 goals for the Three Lions, Frank Lampard joins a stellar England line-up. The former England and Chelsea midfielder will be alongside Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand for England’s opening game against Croatia and France v Portugal.’
And continued: ‘Adding European experience to the line-up is Petr Cech, the most-capped player in the history of the Czech Republic team.’
Roman Abramovich (right) brought in Thomas Tuchel and was rewarded with the Champions League
England play the Czech Republic in their third and final group game so there is a chance both Lampard and Cech could be in the studio at the same time.
Lampard was given the boot by owner Roman Abramovich on January 25 and was swiftly replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
The German then spearheaded a brilliant run of form, seeing his side make the top four, narrowly miss out on the FA Cup but then claim the Champions League ahead of Manchester City.