Frank Lampard has emerged as a surprise candidate for the managerial position at Roma, as the Italian club considers replacing current boss Ivan Juric.
The Serie A side, currently languishing in 11th place, are reportedly weighing up their options following a dismal start to the season.
Juric, who took over in September, has managed just four wins and two draws in his 10 games in charge.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Lampard’s name has ‘gained traction’ in internal discussions at Roma, with the former Chelsea and Everton manager being eyed as a potential successor to the struggling Croatian.
Roma’s search for a new manager has cast a wide net, with several high-profile names in contention.
Paulo Sousa, currently managing Shabab Al Ahli in the UAE, is reportedly a leading candidate.
Frank Lampard is a surprise contender for the Roma job
PA
Former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, recently sacked by Saudi Arabia, has also been contacted.
Ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter is another name admired by Roma’s owners, The Friedkin Group.
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Claudio Ranieri, who recently retired from management, is also being considered for a potential return to the dugout.
The club’s owners are reportedly keen to make a change, with Juric’s position becoming increasingly untenable following Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Hellas Verona.
Lampard, 46, has been out of management since his brief caretaker stint at Chelsea in 2023, where he won just one of 11 matches.
Prior to that, he had a challenging year-long spell at Everton, winning only 27.3% of his 44 games in charge.
Despite these recent setbacks, Lampard’s earlier managerial achievements, including a Championship playoff final with Derby County and a top-four Premier League finish with Chelsea, still hold weight.
Since leaving Chelsea, Lampard has been working as a pundit for BBC and Sky Sports, most recently appearing on Sky for Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Sunday.
Frank Lampard has not coached since a short stint at Chelsea in 2023 where he won one game
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The Friedkin Group, Roma’s owners, are not only considering managerial changes but are also actively pursuing a takeover of Everton.
Dan Friedkin was reportedly in the UK in late October to finalise the deal.
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Frank Lampard has managed Chelsea twice, Everton and Derby County
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This connection to Everton has led to an interesting development in Lampard’s candidacy. According to reports, unnamed figures close to Everton have recommended Lampard to the Friedkins as a potential appointment for Roma.
The potential takeover and Lampard’s previous role at Everton create an intriguing link between the two clubs, potentially influencing Roma’s managerial decision.