Frank Lampard reacts favourably towards Chelsea return talk

Frank Lampard has refused to rule out a return to Chelsea after Michael Emenalo this week left the technical director’s role.

Nigerian Emenalo left the role after six years in Monday to end a 10-year spell at the Bridge in a move that is understood to have had the support of boss Antonio Conte.

Lampard has been linked with taking over from Emenalo, although it’s understood Chelsea have asked director Marina Granovskaia to take a more hands on role regarding transfers and therefore may decide not to directly replace Emenalo.

Emenalo has been linked with a similar role at Monaco, while Lampard was asked whether he would fancy the job at a coaching session in Tokoyo on Thursday.

And the 39-year-old admitted he was “a chelsea person” and claimed he would “love” to be involved with the club again after a 14-year playing spell.

“I worked with Michael for seven or eight years and his role at the club coincided with the most successful period in Chelsea’s history so I think he deserves a lot of credit from that,” said Lampard.

“Everyone at Chelsea wishes him well as he moves on. In terms of myself, I don’t know. I’m a Chelsea person, I’d love to be involved with the club long-term in some way. We’ll see.”

Lampard was asked about his own ambition in management and replied: “I need to learn.

“Having played for 20 years doesn’t necessarily make you a great manager, so I have to learn the ropes, but I would love to be able to put my experiences as a player.

“Of course, having been in Chelsea for so long, that would be the club, that would be my dream, but that’s not an easy path.

“I’ve worked with many managers so I’d like to think that I could take the good and the bad from all the managers I’ve had and find my own way. I would love to work with young players and try and improve them not just as players but as young people.”