https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/12/04/
frank-lampard-press-conference-ahead-of-leeds
Lampard latest on squad fitness, Giroud's chances of retaining his place
and the welcome return of fans to Stamford Bridge
04 Dec 2020
Frank Lampard is once again able to utilise a fully-fit squad for
tomorrow's clash with Leeds United as the Blues look to continue a run of
15 matches without defeat...
https://i.imgur.com/Wx3ycTZ.jpg
After making nine changes for the impressive midweek victory in Seville,
the boss has some tough selection decisions to make, particularly up front
following Olivier Giroud's four-goal haul in Spain.
Whether the Frenchman will retain his place in attack was a topic of
discussion put to Lampard at his pre-match press conference on Friday
afternoon, with the answer centring on how the Chelsea head coach must
choose the best centre-forward for the job tomorrow.
'Everyone is fit,' Lampard reported. 'With Giroud, it's not a case of
giving any player assurances over game time because with a competitive
squad like ours, that's very difficult to do.
https://i.imgur.com/US9AKsX.jpg
There is strong competition in attack as the Blues prepare to welcome
Leeds to the Bridge this weekend
'All you want is for players, when they're out of the team, to train well,
get themselves in the team and perform like Oli did the other day because
then that gives me nice problems. I'm happy with him - his form is good
and he's training well.
'In that forward area, I have competition for places. Tammy Abraham has
been playing very well for us this season, scoring goals and making
assists. I never see anything negative from Oli and I have huge respect
for him. If he plays like he did against Sevilla, clearly he will get more
opportunities to play because that was just a top-class performance.'
Lampard was also asked about the prospect of minutes for Billy Gilmour in
upcoming games…
'We are competitive in midfield. We don't have injuries at the moment and
the numbers do mean some players will miss out on squads but the quality
of Billy will hopefully mean he gets some minutes, particularly when we
look at the Champions League game coming up in midweek.
'More than that, I think Billy's quality will shine through but obviously
there is competition in that area so we'll have to see.'
Fans will be back at Stamford Bridge tomorrow for the first time in 272
days and the boss is understandably looking forward to seeing them…
'It means a great deal because we've been missing them. In restart, there
was such a focus on just getting the season finished but this season has
started and I certainly feel it. We do this job and we love it for a
reason, working in the Premier League because of the fans and the
rivalries and what it means to people, so to get 2,000 of our fans back is
a big deal.
'They've been patient. I know more fans will want tickets than could get
tickets and we hope that moves in the right direction quickly but it'll be
nice to hear them tomorrow supporting the team.'
Frank was also asked if some teams having home support and others not, due
to the Government's tiered system, would affect competition…
'I don't know but it's a good question and it's unfortunate that some
clubs can't because of whatever tier they're in. Our fans can certainly
help us by being vocal and supportive when we're at home. Chelsea fans are
always like that for us at Stamford Bridge.
'We played a pre-season game at Brighton where there were 2,500 and they
definitely affected the atmosphere even though it was a low number
compared to the stadium so I expect them to be able to get behind us on
the day.'
Finally, Lampard spoke about the togetherness of the group…
'We're playing well at the minute but we can get better for sure and what
it takes to win over the course of a season is consistency. We've got a
good spirit. I think the nine changes in midweek and the performance and
result showed that but things will test you along the way on that front.
'We should be very understanding of where we're at – we're in a good
place but it can be a lot better and it will need to be if we're going to
sustain it through the season.'