Coach Frank Lampard admitted, adding six quality recruits in the summer of 2020 made him struggle to find the right strategy for Chelsea.
“Part of the reason for Chelsea’s success last season came from the training ground,” Frank Lampard told AFP ahead of a match against Tottenham in the fourth round of the League Cup on September 29. “When there are new players, the coach needs more time to watch. We didn’t get that chance earlier this season. Chelsea’s problem is not just in the defense, it’s the whole way it works.”
Chelsea opened the new season with a 3-1 away win over Brighton, but then lost 0-2 to Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Questions about their strength grew after Lampard’s teachers and students drew a 3-3 draw against West Brom last weekend, losing three goals.
Similar to the 2019-2020 season, Chelsea lacks defensive certainty. In the defeat to Liverpool, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to help “The Kop” secure a 2-0 victory. Going to the match against West Brom, experienced rookie midfielder Thiago Silva slipped and gave his opponent a goal to increase the score to 2-0.
“Football is not just about putting together what you think is the right thing. It always has potential surprises, otherwise we wouldn’t have had successful coaches outperforming the rest. Me. saying it was not an excuse, but the truth was right, “Lampard said.
Three of the six new faces of Chelsea this summer are in the defense. Lampard did not hide his intention to improve the quality of this line, when in turn welcoming Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and the latest goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Their appearance puts veterans like Kepa at risk of losing their place and being sold for the remainder of the transfer window.
“This is a difficult time for Kepa. I think he knows, but I still want to repeat. Kepa is young and looking at him too much is a loss,” Lampard commented on the Western goalkeeper Spain. “I always protect Kepa because I know his abilities. He is a professional, always wanting to give the best to the club. Let’s not rush to conclude anything.”
Four days after Tottenham’s visit to the League Cup, Chelsea will host Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the Premier League. After that, the players will return to the army with the same team.