Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has responded to rumours linking him with Derby County, stating that he is “very happy” managing the Scottish side.
Derby manager Frank Lampard has been heavily linked with the vacant Chelsea job and has now been given official permission to speak to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.
If Lampard opted to leave Derby after a single season in charge to take over the club he spent the majority of his career at, then there would be a manager’s position available at Pride Park.
Reports have suggested that Lampard’s former England teammate Gerrard would be of interest to the Championship club, but the Liverpool legend has quickly quashed any links between himself and a move to England.
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“Yes, I’m aware of it but there’s nothing to say on it,” Gerrard told Sky Sports when asked about the Derby speculation.
“I’m very happy here, it’s a privilege to be the Rangers manager. My focus is on the up and coming season.
“It’s very similar to when there’s noise around players. I ask the players to stay focused on the job and that is what I will continue to do. There is nothing really to add to that.
“Nothing has changed in my mind. I was very lucky and appreciative of the opportunity I got 12 months ago.
“I’m delighted to be at Rangers, managing one of the biggest clubs you can manage, so nothing has changed in terms of my focus.”
Managerial merry-go-round: Five things to know…
- Maurizio Sarri departed Chelsea for Juventus after a single season in charge, having won the Europa League.
- Lampard missed out on an immediate promotion to the Premier League as Derby lost 2-1 to Aston Villa in the play-off final.
- Gerrard impressed in his first season at Rangers but they still finished second behind rivals Celtic.
- The new manager of Chelsea will have to contend with their transfer ban which will be lifted next summer.
- Lampard’s former teammate turned Villa assistant John Terry was linked with the Derby role but has since signed a new contract.