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‘There is a lot on the line’ – Carragher says Chelsea move is a risk for Lampard

Jamie Carragher believes Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea as manager is a risk to his reputation.

The Chelsea legend returned to Stamford Bridge to succeed Maurizio Sarri as manager this summer, despite having enjoyed just one year’s experience in senior management with Derby County last season.

Carragher believes the Blue’s transfer-ban and the departure of Eden Hazard means Lampard has taken the role in difficult circumstances, and says “there is a lot on the line” for his former England teammate as he takes charge of a big club so early in his managerial career.

“I think everyone who becomes a manager is putting themselves on the line, and fair play to them, especially coming to Chelsea so early in his managerial career,” Carragher told Sky Sports.

“I know Frank. In some ways, I am as close to Frank as I am with any player who I didn’t play club football with. We played U21s together and roomed together.

“I’d have loved to see Frank get this job in ten years’ time, with ten years’ experience. That doesn’t mean he’s not going to be successful now, but he would be a better manager in ten years, that’s obvious.

“I think everyone, when a former player goes back to a club, wants it to go well. I don’t think Frank will ruin what happened as a player, he was that good.

“But say Steven Gerrard went back to Liverpool as manager, John Terry at Chelsea or Thierry Henry to Arsenal. This part of the managerial career is remembered most because it’s the former club, so this will be remembered more than what he does at Derby, or some future jobs. So there is a lot on the line, and I think he’s taken the job in difficult circumstances.

“Some people think the club have done him a favour in giving him this job. You could argue that. But you could also look at it the other way and say he’s done the club a favour, because maybe not many top managers wanted to come, with the transfer ban and losing Eden Hazard.

“I hope this season goes well for him, and then next season when they can actually buy players he can shape the squad to what he wants to do.”

Read: Chelsea injury boost as Batshuayi and Rudiger return to action with U23’s

See Also: Five of Chelsea’s most bizarre managerial reigns