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Chelsea news: Frank Lampard jokes Eden Hazard is SCARED of Derby
FRANK LAMPARD has praised Chelsea star Eden Hazard but joked the playmaker is scared to face his Derby side at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard made 429 appearances for Chelsea during his playing career, scoring 147 goals.
Now as Derby County manager, he is enjoying some early success as his side sit sixth in the Championship, just four points behind table-toppers Sheffield United.
On Wednesday, he will return to Stamford Bridge for just the second time since he left the club in 2014.
Whilst he is under no illusions about the task at hand - Chelsea are still unbeaten in the Premier League battling with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table - Lampard admitted that the absence of Hazard is a positive.
The Belgian has been in red-hot form this season, and has scored seven goals in just nine games in the Premier League.
And Derby boss Lampard insists he is completely aware of Hazard’s ability.
“He is an absolutely outstanding player in world football,” Lampard declared.
“Let’s hope he wants a rest."
Lampard then joked: “I think he’s scared of coming up against my team!
“On current form, I think he is (the best in the world).
“Of course, that can change.
“But I love watching him and he’s in his prime.”
Lampard was full of praise for the way Maurizio Sarri has taken to the Premier League.
“They have been very impressive,” he said.
“Sarri is very impressive.
“We’ve worked hard here to change certain things, and I know how much work goes into it.
“He’s done the same at Chelsea, and I see them in the mix of teams in with a shout of winning the title.”