“Frank is a world class midfielder and this is an opportunity which works perfectly for everyone, the player, Manchester City, and New York City. I’m looking forward to working with him and integrating him into our squad. New York has made a fantastic signing by recruiting Frank, and I’m really pleased that we’ll be able to have him with us for the first half of our season and help prepare him for his new challenge.”
That was one of the opening statements which was released by Manchester City’s coach Manuel Pellegrini as he praised Frank Lampard who will be a player of Manchester City until 2015 which is the date when New York City FC are going to begin performing in the MLS.
Pellegrini has nothing but praise towards Frank Lampard and even considers the English midfielder to be a world-class player but the coach of Manchester City does not seem to have Lampard in his plans as Manchester City played their opening Premier League match of the season against Newcastle United and Lampard was nowhere to be seen, not even on the sidelines.
Upon making his arrival to the Etihad Stadium, Lampard stated that he was happy about making a move to Manchester City as he wants to continue playing at the highest level before making a move to the MLS and complete his move to New York City FC but with the tough competition that Frank Lampard is facing in the midfield of Manchester City, it will be fairly difficult for him to secure a spot in the starting lineup of Manuel Pellegrini.
With the likes of: Yaya Toure, David Silva, Fernando, Samir Nasri, James Milner, Fernandinho and Jesus Navas all fighting for a place in the main squad of Pellegrini, it does not look like Lampard will be able to just breeze past everyone and have a secured spot in the team.
At his 36 years of age, Frank Lampard’s career is nearing its last few cycles and this is one of the main reason on why he chose to make a move to the MLS where the pressure and high level play isn’t as elevated compared to other leagues but it’s not looking very bright for him in Manchester City where his chances of playing consistently does not look like it’s going to happen.