Football

Struggling Lampard Stands by Chelsea Players: “They Do Care”

May 5, 2023 6:00 pm

Frank Lampard’s third return to Stamford Bridge has not gone according to plan. While he earned numerous plaudits during his playing career and impressed during his 18-month manager stint, his current reign in West London has been underwhelming.

Chelsea have lost all six matches during his caretaker charge and only scored one goal during April. Their woeful results have not only brought Lampard’s managerial abilities under the spotlight but also questioning the expensively assembled playing squad.

The 44-year-old manager has backed his underperforming charges. While they continue to give their best on the training pitch, they are failing to translate this in competitive environments.

“To be clear, when I say the players care – they do. The reality is the reaction that comes from that,” he said.

“It can be many reasons why, it can be an underperformance. It’s not a training issue as such. It’s working with the players and team or individually to make sure everyone is on point.

Boehly’s commitment will pay dividends

Blues had unprecedented success under Roman Abramovic, adding four Premier League titles while winning the Champions League and Europa League twice. They have not started in the best manner under the new ownership despite the significant financial outlay.

Despite their struggles, Todd Boehly has reaffirmed his commitment to turning around Chelsea’s fortunes. Lampard welcomed the owner’s comments and believes it will help the long-term project at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have established themselves at the upper echelons of the Premier League and will get through this tough period.

“It’s a good thing. To speak so positively, it’s what I’ve found since I’ve been here. Good intentions. That’s good. From my point of view, I don’t know. I’m here with the squad at the minute to try and get a turnaround then it’s up to the owners,” Lampard remarked about the Boehly’s comments.

“We at Chelsea have been pretty fortunate for 20 years. When the spotlight is on you, it’s on you. As a player or a coach, you have to understand that.

“I think every situation is different. I’m the third, maybe fourth [Chelsea] manager. So from that you can see it’s been a tough season all round. It’s a new situation for me because all of my jobs have been permanent before. This job is just different.”

Fans will back struggling Chelsea

Given the Blues’ continued struggles, fans are getting restless in the bleachers. Lampard’s own legend at the club is at stake but is confident he will not lose their support. They have four matches remaining until the end of the campaign and will give their all to give a good account of their abilities.

“They (fans) will stick with the team. I don’t have to tell them that. The club has gone from when I first joined to a really big football club to a monster of a football club worldwide.

“For myself and the players, we have to show an immense amount of pride in what we do in these remaining games. At the moment, we have to do what’s right in front of us.”

Chelsea takes on the challenge of Bournemouth next. Defeat to the Cherries will see them further slide down on the points table while a victory gets them ahead of Crystal Palace in 11th place.

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