FORMER Manchester United defender Paul Parker reckons Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in a better position than Frank Lampard ahead of their top-four showdown.
The Red Devils head to Stamford Bridge six points behind their London rivals, who sit fourth in the race for a Champions league spot.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, left, takes on Frank Lampard on Monday eveningCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But despite Lampard seeming to operate with lowered expectations due to his youthful squad, Parker feels the Blues chief is under “silent pressure.”
Speaking to the Racing Post, Parker said: “Although a lot of people are saying United are the club in trouble, I would rather be in Ole’s shoes.
“I think Ole is in the better position because he’s managing a massive club and Chelsea are still trying to get to that level.
“So I think if he can qualify for the Champions League, or win a trophy, he’s in a much better position going forward with more potential to achieve.
“Lampard is silently under pressure because Chelsea HAVE to qualify for the Champions league, that’s what their whole model is built around.
“Both sides can’t afford to drop and points here and I think the pressure is on both managers. People say Chelsea are a young side but they have a lot of experience.”
United and Chelsea have won just two league games between them in their last ten matches as both struggle to hit form.
And Parker believes footballers are becoming more difficult to control at the highest level – allowing the likes of Leciester and Sheffield United to take advantage.
He added: “It’s harder to keep players focused and produce consistent results, which has been a problem for everybody but Liverpool.
“A lot of these players earn a lot more than their managers and it’s becoming more difficult to control them.”
Paul Parker thinks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is better off than Frank LampardCredit: PA:Press Association
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk