Derby line-up Dutch legend Cocu to replace Lampard as manager while Chelsea exit nears

DERBY are lining up Holland legend Philip Cocu as new head coach with Frank Lampard close to taking over at Chelsea, according to reports.

The former PSV Eindhoven and Fenerbahce boss has been without a job since last October after being dismissed by the Turkish club.

Lampard, 41, has come back to Derby for pre-season preparations, although he is still expected to be confirmed as new Chelsea gaffer in the coming days.

And Rams chiefs are eyeing Cocu, 48, as his successor, believing the Dutchman will continue the project Lamps started at Pride Park last season.

Club owner Mel Morris told talkSPORT: "Style of play is key, the intensity of play is key, the connection with the fans is key."

And, according to the Times, Derby believe Cocu will tick all the boxes because he shares similarities with the Blues legend.

LAMPS 2.0

Both coaches have been heavily influenced by the philosophy of former Holland boss Guus Hiddink.

He mentored the former Eindhoven gaffer in his early days as football manager.

While Lampard looked up to Hiddink when he was in interim charge of Chelsea in 2009.

In addition, Cocu is well-known for his work with the youths.

He oversaw the development of Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum, among others, at PSV.

And Lampard was not afraid to trust Derby youngsters last season – and is expected to do the same at Stamford Bridge.

Cocu led PSV to three Eredivise titles, despite operating on a significantly lower budget than Ajax.

And he was Bert Van Marwijk's assistant coach when Holland cruised to the 2010 World Cup final in RSA.

However, Cocu lasted just four months as Fenerbahce coach while the Turkish side were troubled by financial constraints due to Uefa Financial Fair Play rules.

Everton reportedly considered appointing Cocu as their manager instead of current Toffees boss Marco Silva last summer.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are planning to announce Lampard's arrival before Blues players return from holiday on Friday.

Source: Read Full Article