Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has given his backing for Derby boss Frank Lampard to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are apparently willing to move on from Sarri after just one season, despite the Italian leading the club to a third-place finish in the Premier League, the Carabao Cup Final, and the Europa League final.

Sarri has been tipped to take over from Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus, with recent reports even suggesting that a deal has already been agreed between the Italian and the Serie A Champions, and Chelsea are reportedly looking to the Championship for a potential replacement, with a move for Lampard high up on the list.

Now, Cole has seemingly given his backing for Lampard to take over, as he praised the boss to the official Chelsea website.

“Frank has done a great job,” he explained.

“People say it’s easy to come into a job like this instead of a lower league team, but this was a tough job and there was a lot of pressure on him to get the team up.

“His training is hard, it’s intense. He’s got a brand of football and Derby has an identity now.

“It’s Frank’s way of playing out from the back, midfielders running in behind, so it’s good to watch.

“I just hope for him we can go up.”

Derby take on Aston Villa at Wembley today in the richest game in world football and if Lampard can get the Rams back inside the Premier League, it will further enhance his potential move back to the club.

Playing 648 times for Chelsea over the seasons, Lampard is a real Blues legend and everyone surrounded wit the club love the former England International, so it is easy to see why he is linked with a move back to the club.

But Chelsea are ruthless when it comes to managers and although managing the club will be a massive achievement for Lampard, he needs another season or two to get to complete grips with management.

He is on his way up in the game and the wrong move now could ruin his high-flying managerial career.

Also see: Sarri agrees Chelsea exit , Lampard will be appointed boss , Chelsea to hold Lopetegui talks

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