[ad_pod ]It seems that the band is getting back together in west London. Petr Cech’s return to Chelsea as a technical and performance adviser has been confirmed by the club, while we are all patiently awaiting the announcement of soon-to-be manager, Frank Lampard. The likes of Joe Cole, Paulo Ferreira and Carlo Cudicini are already working for the Blues.Interestingly, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer might not be the last Chelsea icon to join the management staff this summer. The Evening Standard report that Claude Makélélé is to be appointed to work with Chelsea’s enormous contingent of loan players.The Frenchman’s reputation as a player is well-documented. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid man was the finest defensive midfielder of his generation to the extent that his role within the team became continually referred to as ‘the Makélélé role’ - a glowing testament to his supremacy. That said, his coaching credentials aren’t as widely understood.Makélélé has worked as assistant managers to Carlo Ancelotti at Paris Saint-Germain and Paul Clement at Swansea City. Also, he has had a short stint as manager of Bastia and has recently departed from his managerial position at top-flight Belgian side, Eupen.Given that the Frenchman played with both Cech and Lampard at Chelsea, it appears that the club are seeking to aid Lampard with the presence of familiar and trusted personnel. But what exactly will Makélélé give to Chelsea in his new role?Upon completing a heroic escape from relegation at Swansea City, Paul Clement spoke of the impact that Makélélé had in reversing the Welsh side’s fortunes. Having taken the reigns at Swansea with the club languishing in 19th place with 12 points, the former Chelsea duo orchestrated a masterful revival that saw Swansea finish the campaign in 15th.Clement spoke of the Frenchman’s centrality in the Swans’ success and commended him on his ability to communicate and earn the trust of his players, citing multilingualism as an essential attribute. In conversation with Soccer AM’s Tubes in 2017, as cited by Balls.ie, Clement said...

"He came in, had an immediate impact and a close relationship with the players, he gained their instant respect for what he did as a player. He speaks French, speaks Spanish, so having those language skills in a multi-cultural dressing room like we've got was also a big help, and he along with the other assistants have supported me brilliantly."

Considering the sheer variety of backgrounds and countries represented in the Blues’ seemingly ever-growing loan army - last season there were more than ten different nationalities - such communication skills will be vital in addressing important topics. Naturally, a man of the 46-year-old’s stature and success in the game, with for league titles and a Champions League title to his name, commands respect almost instantly; but one needs more than a successful playing career to become a successful coach.

Preceding Tiemoue Bakayoko's move to Chelsea in the summer of 2017, Makélélé spoke of his involvement in attempting to improve the player’s overall game, offering constant support and tactical recommendations, while he was at Monaco where he briefly worked as technical director.

Although the 24-year-old struggled to impose himself during his only season with the Blues - only managing 24 Premier League starts under Antonio Conte - before being loaned out, the presence of Makélélé could conceivably help the midfielder to return to his best form.

Even if that doesn't materialise, it's evidence of Makélélé ability to spot and develop talent, which will be crucial during a time when Chelsea's transfer ban may well force them to trust players next season who may have otherwise been sent out on loan once again, like Michy Batshuayi or Kurt Zouma.

As manager of Bastia, the former enforcer failed to make the desired impact, only winning three of his 13 games in charge of the French side. However, in his latest managerial stint at Eupen – who were bottom of Belgium’s top-flight when he took over – Makélélé has overseen two consecutive seasons of safety much to the delight of the club’s hierarchy. As reported by the Sun, Eupen’s chief, Andreas Bleicher, spoke of the ex-Blue's significance in prolonging the club’s top-flight status. He said...

“I would like to thank Claude for his good cooperation, dedication, professionalism and success during his time at KAS Eupen. Claude was instrumental in keeping the league in the last two seasons.”

Makélélé has since been awarded an ambassadorial role with the Belgian side until 2022, a gesture of appreciation considering the 46-year-old’s success at the club. At both Eupen and Swansea, Makélélé has helped his sides overcome the threat of relegation, attesting to his ability to navigate difficult situations. Alongside his illustrious playing career and such experiences in a coaching capacity, the retired midfielder is well-suited to provide insightful advice to players experiencing a variety of different circumstances, which will likely be the case once he's working with an extensive list of players at clubs across Europe.

Most importantly, as Chelsea face another turbulent period of uncertainty with a two-window transfer ban, the presence of another revered figure, a player so integral to the modern history of the club, is likely to please most supporters and ease the process of instilling an inexperienced Lampard as manager of a club who will want to retain their Champions League place next season.

A long-standing critique levelled at the Europa League winners has been a dearth of footballing experience and know-how at board level. While that criticism remains true, the appointment of admired and respected former players will only improve the environment at the club – particularly as those very people have helped shape the club for the better as players.

The only remaining question is who will be next in line to reappear at Stamford Bridge?