Lampard rains on bookmakers’ parade over Chelsea manager job

It is usually around the month of February that underperforming managers get the axe at Chelsea, and MaurizioSarri is certainly fitting that profile at the moment.

Given how there is a dearth of world-class managers in the market — at least ones that would be happy to take on Chelsea at the moment — Sarri’s job might be safe for now. But if the team fail to answer properly the humble pie they were served by Manchester City last Sunday in our 6-0 loss to the Premier League’s reigning champions, the Blues might be happy to simply recruit an interim manager, as they have done in the past.

Names have already been thrown in the hat, one of which has been Frank Lampard, whose mission thus far has been bringing Derby County back to the Premier League from the Championship, with help from Chelsea prospects Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori. In the betting houses, he has become one of the favourites as the next coach in line, right beside Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone.

These odds however are not meant to be taken seriously. It is the message that Frank Lampard also wants to transmit, as his focus remains on doing the best he can at Derby while hoping Chelsea can turn their fortunes around this season.

“Bookmakers are not always right for starters, so I wouldn’t get excited about that. Chelsea are certainly a club I respect and have a manager I respect. My job is here [at Derby] and I’m working very hard.”

“All my thoughts are on Ipswich Town away on Wednesday - I hope to see Chelsea put some form together and turn their results around.”

Not even the most pessimistic of folks could anticipate such a result from the Manchester City match. It was only two months ago when Chelsea handed them their first loss in the league in our first meeting this season at Stamford Bridge, albeit in a nearly flawless performance that we have not seen since then. Lampard was just as shocked, as results like this have a rare occurrence in our recent history.

“With my Chelsea hat on, you have a feeling for it and it’s not nice.”

“It doesn’t happen to Chelsea much, so when it does, it’s a shock. But let’s not forget they were up against a great Manchester City team - and I also had some good times there as a player.”

-Frank Lampard; Source: FourFourTwo

Still, it is unlikely that the rookie manager would have had a better time against City with the same Chelsea squad Sarri has in his hands. Before we even consider the idea of bringing back a club legend to the forefront of our coaching staff, it is best to let him get as much experience elsewhere before running into the risk of burning bridges too soon.

So, you do you, Lampard. If all goes well, we will see you on the sidelines at the Bridge, shouting marching orders at Callum Hudson-Odoi a few years from now.