In many ways, it has been a rather strange season for everyone associated with Chelsea.
The Blues started their Premier League campaign in lightning fashion and Maurizio Sarri had looked to be a rather good appointment. However, when the club tasted their first defeat in all competitions in November (against Tottenham Hotspur of all teams!), the wheels appeared to come off and things did not go to plan for the SW6 outfit.
Frustrations at the Italian’s team selection and his stubbornness to continue playing his famed ‘Sarri-ball’ led to a number of the fans in the Stamford Bridge stands telling them exactly what they felt about it in no uncertain terms.
Despite all the calls for his head, Sarri still managed to guide Chelsea into a top-four finish and they of course still have a Europa League final against old foes Arsenal still to come.
However, that has not stopped the reports circulating about his future at the club this summer and has even led to the manager himself stating that he would need to have discussions with the board after the final in Baku (Sky Sports).
Frank Lampard has been heavily tipped to replace him and make a hero’s return after his sensational debut year in management with Derby County – and don’t forget, he could still cap it off by helping the Rams win promotion to the Premier League.
But, according to The Sun, it seems that he will not be in charge of Chelsea just yet provided Sarri stays on.
It is claimed Roman Abramovich and the club’s hierarchy are prepared to wait on bringing him back to Stamford Bridge and feel he can benefit from another year at Pride Park.
And, it would make perfect sense for everyone involved in west London if that were to happen.
Lampard has been impressive; that cannot be argued. However, whether he is ready to be tested in the Premier League as a manager is something that is unknown. As mentioned, this is his first year in management! Not many are able to come in and do a job straight away.
By giving him another year (and potentially one in the Premier League), Lampard would be able to gain some valuable experience and be able to learn more about himself in terms of his managerial style, without the pressure of winning silverware on his shoulders straight away.
Let’s not forget, Abramovich is not the type to hand someone time as patience is clearly a virtue he was never blessed with. By bringing the legend back to the club at this stage of his career could ruin him if things were not to work out and could make his future in the game a little more difficult – just look at what happened to Roberto Di Matteo despite his Champions League and FA Cup heroics.
If the Russian billionaire does as the report suggests, it would have to be seen as the best thing for Chelsea at this moment in time.
Chelsea fans, what do you think? Should Lampard have another year in management before taking the hotseat at Stamford Bridge? Let us know your thoughts below!