Two shortlisted to replace Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard’s job at Chelsea may be safe for now but the Blues are drawing up plans for his potential replacement, in case they decide to swing the axe.

Chelsea’s mini-revival was cut to an abrupt end on Tuesday night when the Blues were humbled in a 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Leicester.

The dismal performance cast further doubt over Lampard’s future at the club and whether he is the right man to lead Chelsea back to the top.

Having spent over £220million in the summer, the Blues are now under pressure to deliver from the Chelsea hierarchy.

Lampard is expected to be given the next few matches to turn things around with the club’s top-four fading quickly.

According to Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports’ have received information that the job is between two managers, if Lampard is sacked.

He told The Transfer Show: “We were talking yesterday about Thomas Tuchel, Max Allegri, Julian Nagelsmann, Ralf Rangnick, Ralph Hasenhuttl and also Brendan Rodgers.

“What is interesting today is that Keith James, one of our chief news editors is telling us this evening that he is being told that if Chelsea were to dismiss Frank Lampard, they would then look to appoint either Thomas Tuchel or Julian Negelsmann.

“Keith is telling us that those are Chelsea’s top two targets.

“Furthermore he is saying that Roman Abramovich will have to wait until the summer if he wants Julian Nagelsmann to be the next Chelsea manager.

“RB Leipzig of course second in the Bundesliga at the moment, they are playing Liverpool in the Champions League next month.

“According to Keith James, RB Leipzig have made it clear to Chelsea they will not let Nagelsmann go midway through the season.

“Chelsea do have relatively good relations with the Red Bull group, they signed Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and also Ethan Ampadu went on loan to them as well.”

If Lampard is to be relieved of his duties, he will go out fighting though.

He remains adamant he can cope with the pressure despite admitting Chelsea are not ready to compete.

“I can’t get caught up in what the reaction will be because I’d be sitting here all day concerned about it,” said Lampard, following suggestions he is on borrowed time.

“I’m not the only manager to be put under this pressure but the good thing for me is I’m good at handling pressure.”

Chelsea take on Luton in the FA Cup on Sunday before hosting Wolves at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League next Wednesday.

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