The future of Maurizio Sarri has been up in the air for almost five months now. It seemed like the Italian was destined to leave after the club’s 6-0 defeat to Manchester City in February, only to hold onto his job until the end of the season.
However, while Chelsea have already cemented their place in next season’s Champions League; the questions surrounding Sarri’s future remain. The speculation threatens to derail the club’s upcoming Europa League final; in which Chelsea are the 1.35 favourites with BetXChange to win the competition.
The link between Frank Lampard and Chelsea is inevitable, with the Derby manager having won three Premier League titles during his 13-year stay at Stamford Bridge. Lampard has enjoyed a fine debut campaign as a manager at Pride Park; although they are the outsiders with BetXChange to win the Championship Playoff final.
The Englishman was questioned about the chance of managing his former side in the pre-match press conference ahead on Monday’s showpiece, but he refused to engage. He replied: “The link is an easy one to make. I am focused on Derby.”
Lampard’s ability to bring through young players could be vital quality as the Blues look for their new manager, with a potential transfer ban hanging over the club meaning that the need to bring through academy players is essential.
Only time will tell whether the former player will be linking up with his old side, but in the meantime, Lampard’s focus is set on Monday’s fixture with Aston Villa.
