Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has dismissed speculation linking him with the Blues managerial job.
The current Derby County boss has been tupped to replace Maurizio Sarri as manager this summer, with the Italian’s future at Stamford Bridge unclear.
Despite reaching both the EFL Cup and the Europa League final, as well as leading the Blues to a third place Premier League finish which guarantees a return to Champions League football, the former Napoli coach has constantly seen his name linked with a return to Serie A.
With Lampard’s Derby County set to face Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final on Monday, the former midfielder has been seen as an ideal candidate to restore an identity to the club, which some have perceived to be missing under the current regime.
However, the 40 year old has brushed off speculation, reiterating that he is focused solely on Monday’s massive tie. Talking to DerbyshireLive, Lampard said:
I said it a few months ago. I find it quite difficult because we’ve got games coming up and they’ve got a manager in Sarri.
It has been a bit of an obvious link all season.
I understand the link but I don’t want to think about it or talk about it. I want to think about Monday. My focus is on us.
This club [Derby] gave me an opportunity. I’m grateful for that and I want to finish the season as well as I can.
I’ve got two years left on my contract. I’ll sit down with Mel [Morris, Derby County’s owner] after Monday, which was planned anyway, to see where the club goes forward.
