Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Frank Lampard when Chelsea fired the England icon, now he could become the next Newcastle United manager after Steve Bruce.
Reports by The Sun claim Lampard is the leading candidate to replace Bruce following the takeover at St James’ Park. Bruce met Amanda Staveley on Monday and will stay in charge for now, but the Saudi-led consortium are assessing alternatives.
Talks with prospective candidates for the Magpies hot seat could even start as early as this week. New non-executive Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan will have the final say on the next Newcastle manager, while Graeme Jones could take charge against Tottenham on Sunday.
Newcastle may give assistant coach Jones the reigns on an interim basis once they agree on Bruce’s multi-million-pound severance package. The Telegraph understand the Toon would owe the 60-year-old £8m if they elect to terminate his contract.
Jones’ time in charge could be short, if given the chance to oversee the Magpies’ first game post-Mike Ashley. Lampard is the leading candidate to replace Bruce, as the former Chelsea boss eyes his return to the dugout.
The 43-year-old has remained unemployed since Chelsea sacked him in January after just two wins in seven Premier League games. Leicester City head coach Brendan Rodgers and Brighton boss Graham Potter’s names also feature on the Toon’s managerial shortlist.
Klopp full of praise for Newcastle manager candidate Lampard
Bruce took training on Monday after meeting with Staveley, but Al-Rumayyan might favour Lampard as the manager to lead Newcastle into the next chapter of the club’s history.
The England icon made an instant impact at Stamford Bridge in 2019/20 as the Blues reached the FA Cup final. They also finished in the top-four of the Premier League, despite starting the season serving a transfer ban.
His second season at the helm was less successful, yet set the foundations for a Champions League-winning campaign. Liverpool boss Klopp was also full of praise for Lampard when the Newcastle candidate left Chelsea, noting via Sky Sports:
“I have to say, that is a really tough one, to be honest. I think Chelsea did an incredible job in the transfer market this summer, brought in really good players, and things like this need time. It is completely normal.
“I think it’s really harsh to make the decision that early [in the term]. Mr Abramovich gives you some chances, money, players, whatever, but he is not the most patient person in the world. I really feel for Frank because is a young and really, really talented manager, and I wish him only the best, and I’m sure he will be fine.”
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