TIM SHERWOOD has urged Chelsea to bring in a new manager NOW and work towards a squad clearout.
Blues legend Frank Lampard is currently in charge in a caretaker role following Graham Potter’s sacking at the start of April.
Frank Lampard has overseen four defeats in a row since taking over on a temporary dealRichard Pelham / The Sun
Tim Sherwood urged Chelsea to bring in a new manager as soon as possible
But Lampard – who spent 18 months as boss previously – has lost his opening four games since returning to the club.
A pair of 2-0 losses to Real Madrid saw Chelsea dumped out of the Champions League and Sherwood believes the time to act is now.
He said on Sky Sports: “It’s still a big couple of months for Chelsea, because I think they need to get a manager in as soon as possible.
“If they find a manager, they should bring a manager in, so he gets an opportunity to look at the squad, what he’s got.
“Because there needs a huge clearout here. Someone who wants to fight for that shirt and give them a little bit of balance.
“They’re so disjointed in their squad. They’ve got so many players in offensive areas, wide players, who are pretty similar quality-wise.
“Let a manager come in, see them train everyday, see them play in the remaining games, they’ve got tough games to come.
“And then he can make a decision because recruitment has been absolutely shocking.
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“So let the manager be part of the recruitment policy. That’s the only way I can see it, there’s still a lot to play for.
“Otherwise you could waste this six weeks – or whatever it is until the end of the season – and you start from scratch next year.
“The new manager has to get used to the players. Use this time. If there is someone out there, out of a job, that they like, bring them in now.”
Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and ex-Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann are the frontrunners to take over.
But the Chelsea board want take their time with finding Potter’s successor, having interviewed the out-of-work pair.
Although Sherwood believes Lampard would understand being replaced before his interim role is due to finish.
He said: “Frank will understand. He’s gone in there to help them out. I’m sure he’ll hold his hands up and say: ‘Look, there’s nothing to play for now.’
“If there is a manager free to come in now, have the conversation with Frank or even come in alongside Frank and watch from close quarters. They need to do something like that now.”