Frank Lampard Press Conference Ahead Of Champions League Game Against Valencia !

Lampard starts by saying tomorrow is more a 'must not lose' game rather than must-win. He says he always felt it was going to be a tough group but the fact we've made up ground since losing at home to Valencia has been important. '

Lampard on Valencia first game: "Whether they are young or not we have the quality to take on a lot of teams in Europe. What happened on the night, I feel like we were the better team. If you sleep for one moment you can lose a game at this level."

Lampard believes the Valencia loss has left Chelsea in a tense position on matchday 5: "It was losing the game on day one when we should have got the result. It has brought knockout football earlier in the competition than we thought." 

Lampard: "I have watched a lot of Valencia, I expect a solid team. Having played in this stadium, it’s not just the team. It’s the support and atmosphere."

Lampard on Chelsea midfielder Barkley being pictured in a nightclub 'it was a lack of professionalism'. But goes on to stress 'I like Ross and he needs to show all his reactions on the pitch'.

"One is the headlines this week. Ross knows how I felt about the first headline. I backed him then and now. He showed a lack of professionalism,, I don't want to become a dictator because he deserves some freedom. I like Ross, he is one of my players. He needs to show his reactions on the pitch.""

Lampard on the 'little moments': "The moments in the box are always the things that tip the games. A game at Champions League level will always be that way. It can be a battle in midfield but you have to be clinical in both boxes when there's so much at stake."

Lampard on whether Tammy can score in big games: "It depends what you class as a big game. Lille away in the Champions League is a big game. Every game is a big game in the Premier League. Tammy has scored big goals in the league, Europe and for his country recently."

Lampard on team news: "Hudson-Odoi is not available. Hopefully he will be for the weekend. Rudiger is match fitness rather than the injury itself. Hopefully it will be days and weeks rather than months." No mention of Alonso suggest he wasn't picked to travel.

Lampard's Press conference " Pulisic is ready ,CGHO doubt due to hamstring injury. i wouldn't Manage Spurs "

Lampard confirms he's exchanged a few messages with Mourinho and 'wished him well' over getting the Tottenham job.
lampard on Mourinho going to Spurs with Chelsea links: "That's his decision, whether fans judge you or not is out of your hands.

Lampard on whether Mourinho's Tottenham can finish in the top-four: "They are in the top four race. That's the story at the start of the season, now and end of the season.
He keeps Talking on Mourinho "History and results speak for themselves. The titles he has won at the clubs he has worked at are not shocks because of the work he has put in. He has done it consistently. That's what we measure him by." He says people will expect big things "

Lampard wouldn't manage Tottenham: "I can firmly say no, and you can replay that in 10 years. It wouldn't happen."
Adds this after Mou said the same as Chelsea manager:
"Mourinho has worked at a lot of clubs and you have to respect his right to work."

Lampard says Pulisic came back to training in midweek and is in contention to play against Manchester City. Hudson-Odoi a doubt due to hamstring injury. No date set for Loftus-Cheek's return.
Lampard on City game:"For us to be in that position is something I am pleased with. I want more. I think where we could have got more points. It is nice to be up and around it and it is a head-to-head test to see where we are at. The game won't be the end of the story"
Lampard says he is so pleased for Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount scoring their first England goals. He remembers from when he was a player what a confidence boost that is.

Lampard says having Kante, Jorginho and Kovacic all fit and playing well is a positive. He hopes to carry on with a fluid midfield. They can all carry out different roles.

Lampard on Pochettino sack:
"When you ask about Pochettino, I have huge respect for him. I met him a few times. I went to Tottenham's training ground when I was doing my badges and he showed me hospitality. He is a classy man."

Frank Lampard and Mason Mount Press Conference Statements Ahead Of Ajax Clash

Lampard on VAR monitor being used in the Champions League and not in the Premier League *slightly tongue in cheek*: "It is incredible when they use it when it is there to be used.


Lampard: 'We must understand the quality and danger of Ajax. They are such a technical team. We've shown a great reaction since losing the opening home game. As Chelsea we expect to go through, but we must have the same preparation and attitude as in the last two games

Lampard: 'We must understand the quality and danger of Ajax. They are such a technical team. We've shown a great reaction since losing the opening home game. As Chelsea we expect to go through, but we must have the same preparation and attitude as in the last two games.

Lampard reports N'Golo Kante is in the squad for tomorrow's game and is fit and available to play. Rudiger is seeing a specialist today so now news on his fitness beyond that.

Lampard on Mason Mount: "I am really proud of him. His loan spell in Holland and in the Championship with me have prepared him well. He has maybe exceeded my expectations.

Lampard says he'll be 'very interested' in the result of Chelsea's transfer ban appeal to CAS

Lampard on transfer ban hearing date: "We are on a good run. I get that. It is a nice feeling. The players have shown with the opportunities they have been given that they can do the roles. When the window is open we will look at opportunties.

On VAR, Lampard says the use of the screen on the side of the pitch would be beneficial at times. 'We all want a better game, better decisions, but at the moment we're not quite getting that.'

Mount on Lampard: "It has been brilliant. I am loving every moment. It is positive to have had a few goals. I probably didn't think I would have 4 goals. We need to keep working hard and focusing as young players."
Mount on balance of midfield with Kovacic & Jorginho: "They have been brilliant. Us young players coming into the team need those players behind us to keep us focused and going. They have been brilliant keeping our team together."

Mount on exceeding expectations: "I was always ready, no matter what happened. I have been at the club for a very long time. You have to have belief in yourself and the opportunity. It probably did come a little earlier than expected."

Frank Lampard's Press Conference : Kante not fit , Barkley (ankle) , Christensen (hamstring) and Speak About Pulisic

Team News : 

Frank Lampard reports that Toni Rudiger is not fit for the Watford game and will see a consultant on Monday regarding a pelvic problem. N'Golo Kante may return for Ajax game. Ross Barkley and Andreas Christensen not far from returns.

N'Golo Kante (groin) is working with the team again. Watford comes too soon, but he could be back for the Champions League clash against Ajax. Ross Barkley (ankle) is ruled out while Andreas Christensen (hamstring) is almost there in terms of his fitness

Lampard points out that Pulisic was in the team at the start of the season and he hopes he can now repeat performances like the one at Burnley.

Lampard says the Watford game is a dangerous one, especially if we become over-confident. He points out Watford have pretty much the same players who did well last season.

Lampard says it's a tough decision this weekend over who to select from Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi, Willian & Pedro, but it's competition which means players know they have to perform.