Mel Morris: Derby County To Suffer Tough Times If Lampard Leaves

By Joshua Walters

Derby County owner Mel Morris has admitted his side will face a tough time if Frank Lampard joins Chelsea.

Following the departure of Italian trainer Maurizio Sarri to Juventus earlier this month, Lampard has been linked with the vacant position at Chelsea.

And Mel Morris who offered the former Blues midfielder his first managerial appointment admits the Rams will somewhat struggle if their manager leaves for his former club.

"We're going to have a tough time ahead if Frank goes. If he'd done a bad job at Derby this season then this wouldn't be happening," Morris told talkSPORT.

"When Frank met me for the first time we spoke about this opportunity and we knew that somewhere down the line it would happen, although we thought it would be some way off. 

"You don't have to give permission but we talked about this eventuality. Let's be honest, the Chelsea job comes around pretty frequently, and it was always going to be there for Frank, we just didn't think it'd be after one season.

"It's impossible in a situation like this. The last thing you want is, if someone has a desire to go, them looking over their shoulder. I have a great relationship with Frank - and Chelsea - and this will continue."

Despite stressing the side will endure tough times if Lampard leaves, Mel Morris could not rule out hope as he thinks there could be a change of mind which might benefit Derby County.

"After the play-off final my belief was Frank would still be with us this season, and I hope that is still the case.

"I'm hoping he will manage us next season and I'm not giving up hope on that but it will happen at some point in the future that Frank goes to Chelsea, I just hope it's not now."