Dennis Wise has urged Frank Lampard to be patient and stay at Derby, rather than take the Chelsea job this summer.
Lampard is strong favourite to replace Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge, with the Italian set to be named Juventus boss imminently.
But Blues legend Wise, Lampard’s predecessor in Chelsea’s midfield, argues it’s too soon for his former team-mate to take such a huge step.
“I’m surprised, if I’m being honest,” Wise said to talkSPORT on Lampard’s links with the Blues.
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“He did a good job getting them [Derby] into the play-offs. But getting to the play-off final and not going up isn’t good enough.
“In the last five seasons, they’ve been in the play-offs three times. It’s something they’ve done before.
“I think it would be good if he stays there. The expectation at Derby is to try and get them into the play-offs and get them up.
“The expectation of Chelsea is to get into the Champions League and try to win trophies against the best teams.
“That’s a big jump from Derby to Chelsea if it happens.”
Wise, however, would fully expect the Rams boss to accept the Chelsea job if he was offered it.
“It is a huge risk, but that’s what Frank’s about,” he added.
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“He’ll take that risk. He’ll want to have a go at it. He can say he’ll bring some youngsters through although he’s got the transfer ban.
“I don’t think it’s correct. I think he should be a bit patient. Lampard left five years ago and this is a different squad of players than when he left.
“They respect him as a player and as a person, but the first thing he’ll have to do is gain respect in a coaching capacity.
“There are other managers, he’s not the only one. But it seems like everyone wants Frank to get the job because he was such a wonderful player there.”