Former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel, who’s now playing in Turkey with Trabzonspor, has spoken to the Super Lig club’s official magazine and expressed his thoughts about former teammate Frank Lampard, and his new role at Stamford Bridge.
In the summer Lampard was appointed as Chelsea manager following the departure of Maurizio Sarri, and Mikel said he’s very happy for him.
The Nigerian international said his former Chelsea teammates were expecting John Terry to reach the highest level first as a manager but Lampard has managed to edge ahead him, as quoted via 61 Saat: “I am very happy for Frank. When we were playing at Chelsea, we are expecting that John Terry and he would be very good managers, but we were expecting Terry to reach that level first. But Lampard made a big step.
“His arrival at Chelsea means the club are caring for their legends. I joked with him after the Chelsea move, I want to be his assistant when I retire. I hope he will be successful at Chelsea for many more years. I also want to see John Terry in similar jobs in the future because he was our leader on the pitch.”
After impressing for Derby County last season, Lampard was given the Chelsea job after just 12 months as a manager. Without being able to bring in new players due to the London club’s transfer ban, the former England international has done a decent job since his return.
Mikel made 372 appearances for Chelsea in 11 years and won the Champions League with the Blues in 2011.
