Some supporters have reacted on Twitter to rumours suggesting Derby County are lining up Phillip Cocu to replace manager Frank Lampard should he leave the Rams for Chelsea.
According to Sky Sports, Lampard’s switch to Chelsea is all-but agreed. Derby have seemingly resigned themselves to losing him, and owner Mel Morris is targeting Cocu as his replacement.
The former Barcelona midfielder has a strong pedigree in management. He won three Eredivisie titles with PSV Eindhoven, and he could be ready for a challenge in England.
(Photo by Edwin van Zandvoort/Soccrates/Getty Images).
Derby have never appointed a foreign manager before. Cocu could be the first in the Rams’ history while some supporters have displayed excitement at the prospect on social media.
The best tweets on social media:
An automatic upgrade
— alsahim (@alsahim04) July 1, 2019
He’s more qualified for the Chelsea Job than Lampard, how is this even possible?
— Luke (@L_DCFC) July 1, 2019
Won the Dutch league as PSV manager multiple times.. Lampard lost to Bolton and Rotherham who got relegated..
Levels. 🤣
— Dan Green (@Yaktrick17) July 1, 2019
Anybody who doesn’t think cocu is a good replacement is cucu
— Andy Harrison (@andyharrison971) July 1, 2019
The best thing about this news is, if true, he is actually way more qualified for the Chelsea job than Frank is… And we’d be getting him! 😂
— Ryan ⚽🇬🇧 (@ryangj) July 1, 2019
If anything Cocu is more qualified and better suited for the Chelsea job than Lampard is
— Jack Brown (@jackbrownie) July 1, 2019
It’s inevitable at this stage I’d say bud… Just some negotiating to be done before being announced… Cocu is a perfect replacement 👍
— Mr. Negativity (@markmaher85) July 1, 2019
Derby finished sixth during Frank Lampard’s debut campaign in management last season, ultimately losing in the playoff final.
Many feel Chelsea’s interest in Lampard is extremely surprising. However, with the Blues facing a transfer embargo, perhaps moving for their popular former midfielder is predominantly a fan-friendly decision.
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images).
The uncertainty surrounding Lampard has noticeably affected Derby. The club have been quiet in the transfer market while the squad needs re-shaping after several exits.
What is the inspiration behind targeting Phillip Cocu?
Cocu could be an inspired choice in what seems now a difficult situation. Perhaps owner Mel Morris is looking to take a leaf out of Norwich City’s book by hiring a foreign coach who can excel with recruitment.
Daniel Farke signed several players for Norwich from his native Germany over the past 18 months. And the inexpensive gamble has paid off for the Canaries as the Norfolk club won promotion.
Cocu would have more knowledge about the Dutch market that any other current Championship manager. His appointment could stand Derby in a unique position, with the Rams now seeking some much-needed inspiration.