Frank Lampard plays down links to Chelsea return

Frank Lampard has played down reports suggesting he is a contender to succeed Maurizio Sarri if the Chelsea boss is sacked. “My job is here,” Lampard told a Derby media conference on Monday. “We’re working very hard and my thoughts are on Ipswich Town on Wednesday, and Brighton on Saturday.” The former Blues midfielder said: “With my Chelsea hat on, 13 years as a player there, you have a feeling for it and it’s not nice, it’s not easy. It doesn’t happen to Chelsea much so when it does it’s a shock. “But they’re going up against an incredible team and I had some time at Manchester City as well. I have some feelings for them. The work Pep Guardiola and their incredible squad have done is something special. “For Chelsea, it was a tough day. With all top teams, the important thing is you come back strong, no matter what type of defeat. What makes top teams is resilience and Chelsea as a club will have it.”

Arsenal training ahead of Europa League game against BATE (PHOTO)