Roman Abramovich draws up a shortlist to replace under-fire Frank Lampard

Roman Abramovich prepares five-man shortlist to replace Frank Lampard

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich already has a list of potential managers ready to take over from Frank Lampard.

The Blues legend has come under increasing pressure following a run of poor results. With just one win in six, Chelsea have dropped down the Premier League table to ninth.

For now, the Blues hierarchy is willing to give Lampard the time to set things right. However, how long they are willing to wait is anyone’s guess.

Lampard is the tenth manager to be appointed full-time by Abramovich, not counting Gus Hiddink and Rafael Benitez. The Russian oligarch is known to be trigger happy and Lampard’s reputation may only give him so much breathing space.

While a list does hint at a potential long-term vision, the pressure over it hanging around Lampard could be telling.

The five names in contention include RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel and Massimiliano Allegri.

Process underway?

The latter three names are all unassigned and could be easier to obtain in comparison. Among them, Hasenhuttl is not expected to leave Southampton mid-season and is unlikely to be a short-term option.

He has so far impressed and could see his stock rise if the Saints keep performing. Nagelsmann is another name who could see his stock rise if he continues to impress in the Bundesliga.

Chelsea have also had an interview with Allegri, who led Juventus and AC Milan to multiple titles. While the timeframe of this interaction is not specified, he is one of the biggest names on the list.

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Of the names on the list, it is hard to miss a strong Bundesliga connection. All of the names bar Allegri have managed in the German top flight before.

Summer signings Kai Havertz and Timo Werner have both struggled to make an impact so far. Whether their fortunes are intertwined with that of Lampard remains to be seen.