LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Frank Lampard says that Chelsea’s team is still “hungry” for victory despite clear challenges, however, he believes that they are not physically prepared.
The Blues’ 2022–23 season has been difficult on many levels, and club veteran Lampard, who took over as manager in an interim capacity through the summer, is now the third manager for the Blues this year.
Meanwhile, he has been tasked with rekindling the flame at Stamford Bridge, but his first three matches as manager have all resulted in defeat, raising doubts about the fighting spirit of the purportedly elite players in west London.
However, Lampard says: “I think maybe when some players are lacking confidence then it can be seen as a hunger thing. When you are a yard short, you are just a yard short. Or when you are receiving the ball and not confident, you take your first touch backwards.
“That can sometimes feel like a hunger or lack of passion thing but I don’t feel that. I feel like the players are hungry to be successful as Chelsea players.”
He believes the team he has taken over from Graham Potter is not in the best physical shape, despite the fact that he has no issue with his players’ attitudes.
He continued: “Right now, it’s primarily been meetings and chats than than training pitch stuff. Due to the [tiredness] in the legs, everything at the training pitch was rather basic and low level.
“It is more about speaking to the players individually. When we do get the chance to work, I think the team needs some physical work. I think that’s important for us because at this level you have to be right on the limit and we are not on the limit right now. I think that can be a capacity thing with the players for whatever reason. It doesn’t matter how we got there but it needs to be addressed now.”
Since his return to Stamford Bridge for a second managerial stint, Lampard has lost to Wolves, Real Madrid, and Brighton. On Tuesday, he will face the current European champions once more.
Moreover, The Blues must overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg as La Liga powerhouse Real travel to England for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal matchup.
