Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has firm stance on Frank Lampard future amid sack pressure

Chelsea: Will Frank Lampard get more time?

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is prepared to stand by under-fire boss Frank Lampard despite the club’s poor run of recent form, according to reports. Lampard’s position has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, with Chelsea now eleven points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester United after an initially strong start to the season.

The Blues came out of the blocks quickly and looked like early title contenders until a dip in form following the victory over Leeds United in December.

In the eight matches since, Lampard’s side have taken maximum points on just three occasions.

The club’s uninspiring form, along with the failures of big-money signings Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to live up to expectations, has piled pressure on the former Derby County boss who is facing his first real test at Stamford Bridge.

He has been tipped by many to become the Premier League’s next managerial casualty.

Abramovich has traditionally been ruthless in chopping and changing the club’s managers, with the Russian billionaire making 13 changes since taking over at Chelsea in 2003.

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However, it appears as if the 54-year-old could be set to take a more patient approach with Lampard.

The club’s hierarchy are willing to give their former midfielder ‘every chance to succeed’ in his current role, according to ESPN.

The report claims that speculation regarding an imminent sacking is ‘premature’, and that the Blues are happy to continue their working relationship for the foreseeable future unless it becomes clear that a top-four finish is in ‘serious peril’.

It is said that Lampard has shown encouraging signs of arresting the club’s recent slump, which has given Chelsea hope that he can still be successful.

A number of names have been tipped to replace Lampard in the event he is sacked, including Massimiliano Allegri, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

Former Chelsea defender William Gallas suggested earlier this month that the club’s form needs to improve rapidly in order to secure Lampard’s job.

“When you spend almost £250m on players, that means you want to win the Premier League and the moment Chelsea’s position isn’t good, they’re not performing against the big clubs,” Gallas told PlayOjo.

“The pressure is on Frank and he needs to find a solution very quickly. As we know, when you are the manager of Chelsea you can be sacked very quickly.

“The pressure is on him and he has to find the right system. I hope Frank finds the solution as soon as possible because he’s a young manager, but I’m sure he will be a great manager in the future.

“He’s very passionate and he knows football very well. But I think Lampard’s position is in danger.

“I’m sure the board aren’t happy with the results which is why I’m sure Frank is in a dangerous position.”

Chelsea will be handed a welcome break from Premier League action on Sunday when they face Luton Town at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round.

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