By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
The Derby County manager is the bookies favourite to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge after the Italian joined Juventus, Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time record goal scorer and a hero among the Blues fans, is expected to meet with owner Roman Abramovich to discuss the role.
After just one season in management, many believe that taking on a club the size of Chelsea is too big a task for Lampard, but Redknapp is confident Lampard will do a good job should he take over.
“In my personal opinion, he’ll be the manager of Chelsea, “It looks to me like it’s going to happen, ”Redknapp – who managed teams including Portsmouth, Southampton, West Ham, Tottenham and QPR – revealed he had personally told Derby chairman Mel Morris to hire Lampard, who he says “wasn’t even on the radar”.
“If Chelsea come calling, it’s a difficult one for him to turn down” Redknapp narates.
If Lampard was to return to Stamford Bridge, where he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League as a player, Redknapp says there would be little pressure on him.
Chelsea have been handed a transfer ban meaning they will not be able to sign any players this summer, but this could be a blessing in disguise for Lampard, as expectations would surely be less for next season.
“It’s a no-lose situation unless he finishes outside the top six. Anything in the top six would be ok, but the Champions League would be a good season,” he said, “No one is expecting him to finish first or second, third maybe. If he makes the Champions League next year, he’s going to be a success,” “He’s a true legend at Chelsea, one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
“It may not come along again, you never know in football, the opportunity is there for him to go back now, “He has a house around the corner from the training ground, his wife works in London.”
