Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Chelsea news: Paul Merson reveals chances of Frank Lampard replacing Maurizio Sarri
CHELSEA legend Frank Lampard should NOT be appointed the club’s next manager after Maurizio Sarri.
That is according to Sky Sports pundit, Chelsea fan and former Arsenal star Paul Merson.
Sarri was only appointed Blues boss last summer but his future has been a talking point in recent weeks.
Chelsea have lost their last three Premier League away games, conceding 12 and scoring none.
The Blues have dropped down to sixth in the table with their Champions League qualification hopes in doubt.
I think they’re doing great, don’t get me wrong. But there’s a long way to go
Meanwhile, Lampard has impressed so far in his first managerial job at Derby, leading the Rams to seventh in the table as well as good runs in both cup competitions.
Lampard and fellow former Blue Jody Morris, who is his assistant at Pride Park, have been linked with the Chelsea job.
But Merson says it is too early to judge whether Lampard or Morris have the ability to manage a club the size of Chelsea.
“Not yet,” he said.
“Not yet. It’s a big job.
“They’re not Norwich, they’re not 10 points clear at the top. It’s early.
“I think they’re doing great, don’t get me wrong. But there’s a long way to go.
“You’re talking one of the top four, five clubs in England.
“One of the top 20 in the world of football. It’s a bit early for me.”
Chelsea are back in action on Monday as they host Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could return from the back injury that kept him out of the Europa League win over Malmo on Thursday.
United duo Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian remain out due to injury.