Antonio Conte has refused to rule out a coaching role for Frank Lampard at Chelsea in case the midfielder decides to retire from football. The former England international footballer has recently quit MLS side New York City FC and is taking time out to decide upon his future and whether or not play on anymore at the age of 38.
According to reports, Lampard has the option to either move to another MLS side and even a few European clubs. LA Galaxy and Orlando City are apparently interested in signing the former Chelsea player, but Lampard instead also seems to be interested in taking up a coaching role, and Chelsea are willing to offer him a chance if and when he makes his decision.
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Given Lampard’s long and fruitful history with Chelsea FC, it would be an exciting opportunity for the 38-year-old to take up a coaching role at Chelsea. Antonio Conte did not rule out the possibility of the former Blues captain returning to Stamford Bridge in a coaching role.
“Frank Lampard has been a great player, a fantastic player for Chelsea. He won a lot with this team.”
“But now for me, he’s still playing and for this reason, I don’t know his future. I repeat: he has been a fantastic player, a legend for this club. I have great respect for him.”
“For me, it’s very difficult to reply to the question when the question starts ‘if’. It’s important to know.”
The Italian manager, for now, will be looking to keep the momentum going as Chelsea continue their amazing form. The Blues have had five Premier League wins in a row scoring 16 goals and will be taking on Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Sunday.
Antonio Conte and Chelsea had a bit of injury scare earlier this week as Eden Hazard limped out of the game between Belgium and Estonia during International break. But to the delight of his manager and Chelsea fans, Hazard has declared himself fit for the trip to Middlesbrough.
“This season I’m seeing a lot of positive things for Eden, with the ball and without the ball. It’s important because to be a complete player you must do both phases, with the ball and without the ball. Eden is doing this and it’s fantastic.” said Conte about Hazard.
“I hope he maintains this form for all the season. It’s important to continue, to continue to work, to continue to work very hard, to have this commitment, this work-rate, during the training session, during the game. I’m pleased for this. Eden is an important player for Chelsea.”
Eden Hazard has returned to his best after a disastrous campaign under Jose Mourinho last season. The Belgian played through injury and looked rusty throughout the campaign. But under Antonio Conte, Hazard finally found his feet and has been crucial in Chelsea’s resurgence this season. The Chelsea duo of Antonio Conte and Eden Hazard have won the Premier League manager and player of the month for October 2016.
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