Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says it would make no sense if Chelsea appointed Andriy Shevchenko to replace Frank Lampard as manager.

Reports in France last week claimed that owner Roman Abramovich was considering hiring the Ukrainian if he decided to dispense with the services of Lampard. However, Merson believes the 44-year-old would not add anything new:

“If you’re going to bring in Andriy Shevchenko, what’s the difference? It’s the same as Lampard, he hasn’t managed world-class players, and will need time.”

Like Merson, most Chelsea fans would like to see Lampard given more time to turn things around despite some poor recent results. The number of signings that were made in the summer inevitably means there will be extra pressure but patience will be required to allow the team to gel together.

It is not something that will happen overnight, and it remains to be seen how Abramovich will handle the situation, considering he has been quick to sack managers in the past. Lampard’s stature at the club should, though, afford him a longer grace period.