Frank Lampard backs Maurizio Sarri for Chelsea success | OneFootball

Derby boss Frank Lampard has given his backing to Chelsea’s Maurizio Sarri despite being heavily linked with replacing the Italian next term.

Lampard has taken the Rams to eight in the Championship in his first campaign as a manager.

And despite some ups and downs this term, it hasn’t stopped the Stamford Bridge great being rumoured as the Blues boss come next year.

Lampard though, has insisted that he sees Sarri remaining in the west London hotseat and has admitted he was “impressed” with the veteran coach during their EFL Cup clash earlier in the season.

“I respect managers who have a belief in a philosophy or system,” Lampard told Goal.

“I have never worked with Sarri, but I did see his Napoli team play fantastic football.

“I think it has been unfortunate for Sarri himself, everyone has come up with this ‘Sarriball’ term, but I am not sure I have ever heard him actually milk that one or make it his own.

“I think he is just trying to win football games and he has brought in players who want to play the way he wants to play.

Everyone has become a little bit focused on that fact. I think he is a very good manager.

“In terms of compared to my style, yes, I look at the players I have and what I can do with that. You try to play in the best way you can

“When we played against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Sarri spoke to me after the game. He was very complimentary about us, but he was talking about all the games we played over the last weeks.

“He is not just looking at how Chelsea are playing, he is looking at his opponents, and he is trying to get good results for Chelsea Football Club.

“I have got respect for him. I don’t know him that well but I have got respect for him.”

Chelsea face Cardiff this weekend while Derby host Rotherham.