Coventry City have named Derby County coach John Eustace as their top coach, while Chelsea are keen to re-appoint Frank Lampard.
Lampard has already won two trophies with the Blues, and Gus Poyet believes the former player won’t be able to turn down the chance to return if he comes calling again, saying: “I think it always happens for a number of reasons; what he has done for the team, how popular he is, he loves coaching and he keeps getting better with experience.
“Maybe Everton wasn’t a good thing, but you learn a lot from those and prepare better. I’m sure it can happen in the future. When? I don’t know. It was different the first time because he had to take a job – when Chelsea call you, you take a job.”
Not only has the 47-year-old been linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge, but London rivals Crystal Palace are also interested, with chairman Steve Parish taking a liking to the Coventry boss, who led his side to the brink of promotion to the Premier League.
Coventry are making emergency plans with Chelsea for Lampard
According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea have made a move to re-sign Lampard, with Liam Rosenior under increasing pressure, having failed to make the impact they were hoping for since replacing Enzo Maresca in the dugout.
As such, the Sky Blues may need to replace him in the summer, with Derby manager Eustace identified as a target, with the 46-year-old keen on a move to the CBS Arena.
|
Record of John Eustace of Derby County |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
58 |
|
It wins |
25 |
|
Drawings |
12 |
|
Loss |
21 |
|
Points per game |
1.50 |
It is not clear whether Lampard is ready to leave Coventry, despite having one year left on his contract in the summer.
Although Derby have successfully exited the race for automatic promotion, there is still a chance to play Premier League football next season, as they are just three points away from the playoffs.
Eustace, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, has seen remarkable changes since arriving at Pride Park a year ago, and has been praised for his work by podcaster Jake Parker.
While Coventry could sign for promotion to the Premier League
Coventry are 12 points adrift of third-placed Middlesbrough with just five games to play, meaning next season’s Premier League football is all but assured.
Lampard’s side need just four points from their remaining five games, although they could go up with a win against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, if Millwall and Boro drop points.
Failing that, four points from games between the Owls and Blackburn Rovers will be enough to get them over the line.
Coventry are planning a summer loan move for the Championship’s “amazing”.
The Sky Blues are looking for a midfielder.
