Chelsea midfielder Willian has given his backing to Frank Lampard to become the club's next manager, believing his former teammate would be a "success" in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
Lampard is the overwhelming favourite to become the next Chelsea manager, filling the vacancy left by Maurizio Sarri after the Italian left after one season to join Serie A champions Juventus.
Lampard's return to the Blues took a major step forward on Tuesday after his current employers, Derby County, revealed that they have given their permission for the former England midfielder to hold talks with the Europa League champions.
The 41-year-old would be a popular appointment given his remarkable success during his time as a player. Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea during an illustrious playing career, winning three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, two League Cups, as well as the Uefa Champions League and Europa League titles. He is also the club's all-time record goalscorer with 211 goals.
"He is a legend," Willian told football.london. "He was an extraordinary player for the club, winning every possible title.
“He deserves so much respect and backing for what he has already achieved at the club. If Chelsea do bring him in, he will be very welcome.”
Lampard's inexperience could be a cause for concern, having had just one season in management and in England's second-tier. His inexperience could be more telling given the situation at Chelsea, who have sold Eden Hazard to Real Madrid and at present cannot replace their best player due to the two-window transfer ban.
However, Willian, who played alongside Lampard during the 2013/14 season, believes his former teammate will be able to take on the job at hand.
“Is he definitely going to be the next manager? I don’t know,” said Willian, who is currently on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America. “But I think he would be up to the task.
“He was a great player, and he is a great person. He’s only starting his managerial career now, but he has everything it takes to be a success.”