J. Cole makes bold Lampard claim on Chelsea coach race despite Nagelsmann option

Frank Lampard is expected to hand over the reins to Chelsea's next permanent head coach at the end of the season, but Joe Cole believes that his former teammate is primed to extend his stay

Joe Cole believes that Frank Lampard has his eyes set on becoming the permanent successor to Graham Potter at Chelsea. The 44-year-old was appointed caretaker manager on Thursday afternoon as Todd Boehly continues the club's search for a new head coach.

Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique and even Carlo Ancelotti are among those who have been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer. But Cole has claimed that nobody is in a "better position" than Lampard to take the west London outfit forward.

Speaking on BT Sport, the former Blues midfielder addressed the club's current situation. Cole said: "It makes perfect sense for me. First of all you have to say disappointed for Graham Potter, I think he held himself with great dignity throughout his time at Chelsea.

"It was a very difficult job he had and I’m always on the side of giving managers time, but then once the decision was made to let him go it made perfect sense for Frank. I’m absolutely delighted for him.

"He’s gonna really galvanise the club. Chelsea have been in this position many, many times, that’s the one thing I will say about the players and the club - they know how to deal with a change of manager and bounce back. It happened when Frank left his job the first time, Thomas Tuchel came in and won the Champions League.

"Frank will think that’s the dream, but Frank, let me tell you, for himself will be thinking he’s coming in as temporary but he will love to take the job permanently, I’m pretty sure about that. No one’s in a better position to take that club forward."

Paul Scholes compared Lampard's return to when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was named Manchester United boss. The former Red Devils midfielder said: "You can’t blame Frank, he’s got to take it, as you say he’s in the Champions League quarter finals.

"It was quite a similar situation here with Ole Gunnar, if you think. Ole Gunnar did have a lot more time, in his role, he had a lot more time to prove he can do it and by the end of the season they had no choice.

"There’s only what, 10 more league games? And Champions League to go but Frank is capable of doing it. One big positive for Frank is that they’ve got N’Golo Kante back, and if he keeps him fit he makes a huge difference to that team. If they somehow get goals out of Chelsea they’ve got a chance."