Chelsea consider Lampard as managerial candidate
Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on former player Frank Lampard as a potential managerial candidate, however it would rely on the future of owner Roman Abramovich.
The former Blues midfielder is currently cutting his teeth in management with Derby County in the Championship, where his side currently sit three points away from the play-offs with a game in hand.
While he hasn’t exactly set the world alight in the English second division, the 40-year old has drawn attention from his former club.
And according to football operations and communications consultant Ian McGarry, who revealed the information on the Transfer Window Podcast as reported by the Daily Star, the club are considering Lampard should Maurizio Sarri depart the club. McGarry said:
Lampard has been considered, and is the obvious choice in terms of getting the fans back on side.
Derby are in a state of flux because their owner Mel Morris has offered to sell the club for the nominal stake of £1 in order to recoup some of the £93m he’s loaned the club during his time in charge.
However, McGarry did admit that the uncertain future of owner Roman Abramovich could effect the targets considered to replace Sarri. McGarry continued, saying:
I think what’s interesting when analysing this situation in terms of (Javi) Gracia and Nuno, when you are the owner of a business and are looking for an exit strategy, i.e. to sell, which I think it’s fair to say Roman Abramovich is listening to offers for Chelsea, one of the things you don’t do is appoint someone in the pivotal role, in this case manager, if who is going to be hard to evict and controversial in the way he manages.
What you really want if you’re looking to sell is a safe pair of hands, someone who is diplomatic in public and mild in private, who won’t interfere regarding the administration of the club.
Someone who is relatively easy to remove for an incoming owner.
I think both Nuno and Gracia fit that bill. They will do a good enough, a steady enough job.