Lampard insists Chelsea signings need time
Frank Lampard has reiterated his view that Chelsea’s summer signings need time to find their feet.
It comes amid speculation that Lampard’s position could be under threat following a run of four defeats from six matches.
Some fans and pundits have pointed to the fact that he was given more than £200m to spend on the squad.
Striker Timo Werner has not scored in 12 matches and his fellow German Kai Havertz has also found the going tough at times.
But boss Blues boss Lampard said: “Kai Havertz is young. Timo Werner is young. They’d never played in the Premier League.
“I’ve spoken a lot about players who have come to the Premier League at a young age and needed time to adapt – some of the great players that have been in this league.
“Ben Chilwell is young. Thiago Silva is at the other end of his career but I don’t think it’s about analysing every individual and whether they’re young, but there are players that have come into a new team and not had a pre-season and they’re learning on their feet.
“You have to accept there will be times when there will be lessons learned. I’m not sure how else you learn the lessons.”
‘Not concerned’
Lampard also insisted he was unfazed by the speculation over his position after Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat against Manchester City.
The result inevitably fuelled reports that Lampard is under pressure.
“I’m not concerned on that point,” he said.
“I expected periods of difficulty this year. I said it when we beat Leeds and everyone was touting us to be title contenders.
“I know that it doesn’t come that easy. I know where we’re at.
“Whether it puts pressure on me or not is regardless because a month ago everyone was asking me when I’ll sign a new contract.
“Now people will be saying different things because in quick succession over a busy period we’ve lost four games of football.
“The pressure remains constant in this job and you know that in tough moments that will be there.
“My job is to keep working and to try and lift the players.”
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has not tended to give managers much time when results have gone against them.
Lampard was therefore asked at his post-match press conference if he felt the board understood that patience was needed.
He said: “I’m not going to speak for people above me or the board because I can never do that.
“I couldn’t answer one month ago am I going to get a new contract – I don’t start that conversation – and I can’t answer now what they’re thinking about whatever results.”
