Lampard ‘not yet the overwhelming favorite’ for next Chelsea head coach — report

According to the Telegraph, Frank Lampard may not be the man to replace outgoing Europa League winning manager, Maurizio Sarri. Matt Law’s report doesn’t rule out Lampard by any means, but does play down the idea of him being “the overwhelming favorite” as other reports and certainly the betting odds have made it appear in recent days and weeks.

That said, Maurizio Sarri is still expected to leave. The shortlist to replace him grew by one name today, Watford manager Javi Gracia, who’s rarely stayed in one place for more than a season in his 15-year coaching career, managing 10 different teams. He’d certainly fit Chelsae’s short-term habits!

The other names in apparent contention are the familiar ones: Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, Nuno of Wolves, England assistant manager and Chelsea ex-assistant Steve Holland. No easy choices there, with Lampard still very new to management, Nuno seemingly comfortable at Wolves, and Holland never holding a head coaching position despite his vast coaching experience.

Meanwhile, Chelsea remain transfer banned and are also set to lose our best player. Whoever’s appointed will certainly have their work cut out for them. Relative inexperience may not be a problem — Ruud Gullit and Roberto Di Matteo did just fine — but Chelsea will have to make the correct decision here.