Terry backs Lampard to have “great future in management” amid Chelsea links
John Terry believes his former teammate Frank Lampard has a “great future in management” amid ongoing speculation linking the Derby County boss to the Chelsea job.
Reports have suggested Maurizio Sarri could be on his way to Juventus – despite leading Chelsea to Europa League glory – and Lampard has been mentioned as a ‘genuine contender’ to fill the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.
Terry and Lampard in management: Five key things to know…
- Lampard retired from playing in February 2017 after a spell with New York City FC.
- Terry went on for a little longer, bringing his playing career to an end after spending the 2017/18 season with Aston Villa.
- The ex-Chelsea captain was linked with the Villa managerial post himself after Steve Bruce was sacked in October 2018, but instead took up a role as Dean Smith’s assistant at Villa Park.
- Meanwhile, Lampard was appointed Derby manager at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign.
- He led the Rams to the play-off final but lost to Villa at Wembley.
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As it stands, Terry will be assisting Smith as part of the Aston Villa staff in the Premier League next season, while Lampard will remain in the Championship in charge of Derby.
But Terry has talked up Lampard’s chances of making it to the very top as rumours of interest from Chelsea continue to rumble on.
“It has been incredible what he has done at Derby,” Terry said. “I don’t think anyone would have put them back in the play-offs or anything this year but I think he has brought a great team spirit and obviously he has got a wealth of experience.
“He has got Jody [Morris, Lampard’s assistant], who has got a lot of experience in coaching as well, and it is just great to see young managers like Stevie [Gerrard] and Lamps getting the opportunities.
“It was an unfortunate day for them on Monday because it’s a horrible way to go. To come here and lose is tough to take but he’s got a great future in management, for sure.”
Terry plans to go into management – but not yet
Terry has watched two figures from his generation of England stars, Lampard and Gerrard, begin their managerial careers this season with Derby and Rangers respectively.
And while Terry insists he is happy assisting Smith at Villa, the 38-year-old admits he would like to become a number one in the future.
He added: “I’ve always wanted to do it. I think you know as a player when your time is up and I kind of knew that last year in my last game at Wembley.
“In the long run, obviously management is my ambition but I’m not thinking about that at the moment. As a player I got to the heights I wanted to get to but I firmly believe I’m a YTS [youth training scholar] again.
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“I’m starting right from the very bottom and I’m not afraid to say that. I’m not afraid to do all the dirty work – picking up the cones, the balls and the bibs; all of that stuff is part of my education.
“It is something I have been planning for a few years and the experience and the day-to-day work on the training field, and what the manager allows me to do has been fantastic for me.
“I’ve got a great teacher in Dean and Richard [O’Kelly] as well to bounce things off. I’m very fortunate to be able to sit there and learn from them, because they are superb.”
