Didier Drogba, a Chelsea legend, has backed former teammate, Frank Lampard, to replace Maurizio Sarri at the club.
Sarri’s future at the club is in doubt, following news that he is just days away from completing a return to Italy to manage Juventus.
Lampard, who played and won trophies with Drogba at the London club for years, has been tipped as favourite to become the club’s next manager, though he is still at the helm of affairs at Derby County.
The former Ivory Coast international believes Lampard has what it takes to manage Chelsea, should Sarri eventually leave after one year in charge of the club.
“I think it [Lampard] is a very good option for the club,” Drogba said.
“He has done well with Derby, you know, taking the team to the play-off final and I think it is a very good option for the club.”
However, reports say one of the reservations Chelsea fans have over the former England player is lack of experience as a top flight manager.
He worked as pundit with BT Sport after his retirement in 2017, while working on his coaching licences.
The former West Ham midfielder then took charge at Derby before the 2018/19 season, taking them to the Championship play-off, where the team lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.
But Drogba doesn’t think his lack of top-flight experience as a manager should bother Chelsea fans, arguing that Lampard could succeed if given a chance.
Asked if Lampard was ready, Drogba replied: “So he is never going to be ready, then? Does he have to wait until he is 40 or 50 to be ready? I think it depends on your experience and depends on your desire to succeed and do it.
“If he feels ready I don’t think it is too early.”
