Zimpapers Logo

Cape Town — Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard believes Blues boss Frank Lampard has the potential to be one of the best managers in the world.

Having almost taken Derby County up into the Premier League, Lampard was handed the Chelsea job following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.

In just his second season in management, Lampard has taken Chelsea up to third place in the table as they look ahead to their next outing against Manchester City on Saturday.

Belgium international Hazard decided to end his time in west London over the summer and did not get the opportunity to work under the new Blues boss.

When asked if he was surprised by the start Lampard has made in the dugout at Stamford Bridge, Hazard said: “No, not at all. I know Frank as a player, not as a manager, but he’s a great guy. He’s showed already after four months that he can be one of the best managers in the world.

“The good thing is that they are playing with young players, young English players. For England it’s good, for Chelsea it’s good. They are lucky to have young players with quality.”

Hazard added: “I still have good friends there. I follow them all the time. They are winning at the moment so I’m just happy for them.”

All has not gone according to plan so far for Hazard in Spain, with the Belgian seemingly struggling to get up to speed with life at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, the in-form Blues have a one-point advantage over Premier League champions Manchester City ahead of their encounter at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Chelsea find themselves eight points behind frontrunners Liverpool and victory over the Citizens on Saturday would be a real boost to Lampard’s hopes of entering the title race. Meanwhile, Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has arrived in London to hold talks with Chelsea about the signing of forward Olivier Giroud.

The 33-year-old is struggling to force his way into the Chelsea side due to the form of young Blues striker Tammy Abraham, and he has been heavily linked with a switch away from Stamford Bridge.

Giroud has started just once under new boss Frank Lampard but continues to play for the France national side and has been among the goals during Euro2020 qualifying.

The target man needs regular first-team football if he is to ensure his place in the France squad for the Euros and would jump at the chance of a switch to Inter if they made an approach.

Nerazzurri boss Antonio Conte wants another striker to provide competition for Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez and knows Giroud well from his time in the Premier League with Chelsea.

Conte has suggested that if Inter are to challenge for the Serie A title and Champions League, they need more options, and Giroud would provide that.

Inter have now taken their interest to the next level after Ausilio arrived in London this week to open talks with Chelsea officials about the possibility of a deal.

Ausilio was spotted at Wembley watching England on Thursday night, but the main reason for his visit was to discuss the future of Chelsea’s French striker.

Any move could depend on what happens with Chelsea’s transfer ban as Lampard is unlikely to sanction a move if he cannot bring in a replacement.

It is claimed that Inter are also willing to offer Giroud the security of an 18-month deal, but the player would have to take a cut on what he currently earns at Chelsea.

Whatever happens, a decision will have to be made shortly with the transfer window fast approaching. — Sport24.