Frank Lampard exit: Shock Southampton move mooted days before Portsmouth clash
Portsmouth are looking to move themselves away from the Championship relegation zone as they prepare for a trip to Coventry on Wednesday.
John Mousinho’s side continued with their inconsistent form as they lost 2-1 against Millwall on Saturday.
It leaves Portsmouth sitting four points above the relegation zone, meaning a win could be crucial.
However, if Pompey do come out on top, it could have an impact on Frank Lampard’s future too.
Lampard could leave Coventry
Although Portsmouth have their matters to focus on, there would no doubt have been some joy from supporters who watched Southampton get relegated back to the Championship on Sunday.
This in itself could be motivation for Pompey to retain their place in the second tier as they would have a derby to face next term.
Given the Saints’ relegation, it’s not too surprising that reports have said Ivan Juric has already left.
A Portsmouth win against Coventry, though, could push someone else into the arms of their rivals.
According to TBR Football (7 April), Southampton are interested in hiring Lampard as their new boss for next season, having been impressed by the work he has done with the Sky Blues so far.
However, the report states that Lampard will only become an option if Coventry fail to gain promotion to the Premier League this season, which a Pompey win could put dents in.
Mousinho looking to keep Portsmouth up
The prospect of a South Coast derby in the Championship next term is something to be excited about but supporters at Fratton Park will be wary not to get too far ahead of themselves.
| Played | Won | Drawn | Lost |
| 40 | 12 | 9 | 19 |
Even in a difficult season, it’s always a softener to see your rivals doing badly, and with another manager set to leave St Mary’s, things definitely aren’t going well down the road.
If Portsmouth do beat Coventry and keep them out of the play-offs, it could result in Lampard going to Southampton next season, although there is no guarantee he will have what it takes.
For now, Pompey need to focus on their own worries and make sure they start picking up some results on a consistent basis in order to gain safety in the Championship.
Coventry come into this clash having lost their last two, meaning it could be a perfect time for Mousinho’s men to strike.