Well, now the team at Football Manager have included what surely has to be a reference to the Frank Lampard meme that's been going around Twitter over the last couple of years! No, but seriously, that's great work, lads…
Football Manager 2023: The Frank Lampard meme is included in the press conference section
The Football Manager 2023 press conference screen (Image credit: Football Manager 2023)
In 2014, Adam Hurrey noticed something that would change football. Frank Lampard, then just a humble Manchester City player (yes, that happened) was incredibly consistent with his interview technique.
Lampard will often make a light-hearted point, smile and then immediately and stoney-faced, return to the business at hand.
Lampard is absurdly consistent. Even his interviews are always the same:Serious point, light-hearted point [chuckle] but, no, serious pointNovember 30, 2014
Ever since, the observation has become a meme that's done the rounds on social media. Plenty of official accounts have even made the reference, including the FA Cup – surely Frank's seen it?
Well, now FM23 has joined in. In one potential press conference, after a player who doesn't score often nets a goal, you'll be asked as manager for your thoughts on it. One of the "positive" responses that you can give is to tell reporters, "I'm surprised, he's not often on the scoresheet! No but seriously, it's nice to see him get a goal."
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Everton manager Lampard is an online hit for his interview style (Image credit: Getty Images)
There are plenty of fun answers throughout the Football Manager game, including the opportunity to goad your opposition managers with your answer. This year, the word "omnishambles" – as coined by foul-mouthed Thick of It spin doctor Malcolm Tucker – is an option to label a performance.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
