Next Chelsea manager: Frank Lampard is just ‘one of the candidates’ being considered, says Petr Cech

The Blues new technical and performance director insists the situation remains ‘open’ with other managerial targets identified

Petr Cech has claimed that Frank Lampard is only “one of the candidates” being considered for the Chelsea manager’s role.

Derby County today announced that Lampard had been excused from reporting for pre-season training and are operating “on the assumption that he will reach an agreement with Chelsea”.

Cech has returned to Chelsea as a technical and performance advisor after four years at Arsenal, and despite reports that Lampard’s appointment could be confirmed within the coming days, the former goalkeeper claimed the “situation is open”.

“The club has identified some of the coaches they are dealing with,” Cech said. “The situation is open, Frank is one of the candidates. I could speak about all the candidates with the leadership, they know my ideas.

“The first team will start the preparation, by that time we would like to solve the coach’s question.”

Chelsea have agreed to pay Derby £4m in compensation to secure Lampard’s services, with the 41-year-old close to agreeing a four-year contract with the Blues.

Cech revealed he had turned down six offers to continue his playing career as the 37-year-old favoured a return to his former club and will work closely with director Marina Granovskaia.

Chelsea’s newly signed Technical and Performance Advisor Petr Cech (Getty) (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

“It’s something new to me, but I don’t feel nervous. That’s the thing that surprised me.

“The first thing is to choose a coach, it will affect the next job. The coach will have his ideas. The idea is that I will be with the first team to have the opportunity to watch the development of the preparations. When I decide I want something to work in some way, I have to go to the club management first to allow it. It’s right, I’m new to the role. But I have enough possibilities to influence the club, which is a great responsibility and I like it.

Cech turned down six offers to continue his playing career (Getty)

“My job description is to look at the first team, the academy, the transfer policy, the data from training. Everything hides underperformance. The range is broad, occupying all the disciplines that belong to football. My job is to report and especially bring ideas.”