Sunday, 24 Nov 2024

Sarri leaves Chelsea as Lampard tipped to join Blues as manager

Maurizio Sarri has become the new manager of Juventus after just one season in charge at Chelsea.

The Italian succeeds Massimiliano Allegri after telling the Blues he wanted to return to his home country to be closer to his family and his elderly parents.

There is speculation he will be succeeded at Stamford Bridge by former Blues midfielder and club legend Frank Lampard.

Chelsea are expected to approach Lampard’s current club, Derby, who have been in talks with him about extending his contract.

Juventus have reportedly agreed a compensation fee with Chelsea of more than £5m.

Sarri led the west London side to a third place finish in the Premier League, and they won the Europa League, beating Arsenal in the final.

It was the 60-year-old’s first major trophy as a manager. The club said he was “just the fifth man to coach Chelsea to a European trophy”.

Sarri is likely to win further silverware with Juventus, who have won the Italian league for seven years in a row.

Although the season ended on a positive note, Chelsea suffered dips in form throughout the year.

In its statement about Sarri’s departure, the club noted that there were “heavy defeats at Bournemouth and Manchester City”.

Chelsea lost 4-0 on the south coast, and 6-0 away to the eventual champions.

Lampard’s uncle Harry Redknapp thinks his nephew would be able to control the dressing room at Chelsea.

“He will have real authority – he won’t stand any nonsense,” Redknapp told The Sun.

“None of them can look at Frank and think ‘I’m a bigger, better player’,” the former Tottenham and West Ham boss added.

Whoever takes over at Chelsea will have to contend with an ongoing FIFA transfer ban, although an appeal has been lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Blues have a tough start to the 2019/20 Premier League season with a trip away to Manchester United on 11 August.

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