Frank Lampard is getting ready to manage Chelsea for the first time in a competitive fixture but his former England teammate Jamie Carragher has issued a warning to the new Blues' boss.
The new Chelsea boss has taken over from Maurizio Sarri during an intriguing time at Stamford Bridge, with the club unable to make any transfers for a year, and looking to start rebuilding.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, writing in the Telegraph, has warned Lampard about whether the club will change their ways and give him time though, something previous managers haven't had, saying:
Advert
"I feel strongly that Frank needs to be given the space, time and respect to develop his coaching career and there is no recent history of Chelsea giving that - even to some of the best coaches of all time who have delivered Premier League titles.
"There is no point giving Frank the job now and setting a deadline to replicate his predecessors' success. I would like to think he will get more leeway but I am a bit sceptical, knowing Chelsea's track record and how quickly results change the mood.
"Many argue Lampard's appointment is itself proof of a change of direction at Stamford Bridge, belated recognition the club must take a longer-term approach.
"That is a radical departure from the last 16 years and a great promise to make amid the optimism of pre-season. Even the talk of giving youth a chance is not so simple.
Advert
"What if, as I anticipate, Chelsea remain well behind Manchester City and Liverpool this season? I don't believe Chelsea will make the top four.
"If not, there should not be talk of him being under pressure but Frank knows the culture at the club better than anyone and what the consequences will be if Chelsea drop out of the top six.
"That is why I believe it might have been wiser for him to wait. To gather more experience at a club such as Derby County.
"He was at the perfect club to learn more about how to manage different personalities, experiment with strategies and settle on a style of leadership that will equip him for the next 10 years."
Advert
Lampard is just one year into his managerial career, having joined Derby County at the beginning of last season, and replaced Sarri after the Italian moved back to his home country to join Juventus.
The former West Ham midfielder starts his second career at Chelsea against Manchester United, joining Jose Mourinho, Avram Grant and Guus Hiddink as opening their time as manager against the Red Devils.
Both Lampard and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be desperate to lead their sides to success on the opening day of the season as both will be under instant pressure should they lose.
Advert
Can Lampard bring success to Chelsea?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Frank Lampard, Football News, Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League, Sky Sports, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jamie Carragher