[long_read]

With Maurizio Sarri's job on the line at Stamford Bridge, it comes as no surprise to see Frank Lampard emerge as a contender to become the next manager of Chelsea.

After falling to defeats against rivals Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United in the space of the month, the Premier League side are reportedly looking to find a replacement for Sarri, who has come under pressure after a terrible month.

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is reportedly being considered for the job, with the club also lining up a move for the man who won 13 major trophies during his 13-year stay at Stamford Bridge as a player.

It would, of course, be a massive blow for Derby County if Lampard was to depart for Chelsea - the 40-year old has adjusted to life as a manager with ease, with the Rams within touching distance of a play-off spot in the Sky Bet Championship table.

There are some magnificent managers out there though, so if Lampard were to leave, then there may well be some reason for optimism still.

One man who is currently out of work is former Fulham manager is Slavisa Jokanovic, and here, we take a look at three reasons as to why he is the perfect replacement for Lampard if he does leave Derby...

[snack_break title="He has experience of getting promoted from the Championship"]

Unlike Lampard, Jokanovic is a vastly experienced manager who has experience of gaining promotion from this division.

The 50-year old has gained automatic promotion to the Premier League with Watford, and also won the play-offs with Fulham last year.

Of course, experience isn't everything nowadays, but having a manager like Jokanovic who knows how to succeed in this division and be successful in the play-offs would be a massive boost when you take a look at Derby's current position.

[snack_break title="His teams play magnificent football"]

One thing that Jokanovic was praised for last year as well as over the years is his style of football.

The 50-year old got his Fulham side playing some unbelievable football last season, and his team would often play the opposition off the park.

This would be a massive positive for Derby fans.

[snack_break title="He is known for developing young talent"]

Lampard has worked wonders with Derby's young players this season, and this is something that Jokanovic would be able to pick up on if the former did leave for Chelsea.

Jokanovic has developed several young players during his time at Watford and Fulham, with perhaps the most notable being Ryan Sessegnon, who was linked with big-money moves to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain last season.

He would be able to continue developing the likes of Jayden Bogle and Mason Bennett, who have been fantastic this season.

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