KING POWER STADIUM — Frank Lampard defended the trio of young players he sacrificed at half-time against Leicester City, insisting Chelsea needed to “drag ourselves out of a lethargic performance” before they woke up in the second half to progress to the FA Cup semi-finals.
The hosts were on top in a goalless first half but Lampard substituted 19-year-old Billy Gilmour, 20-year-old Reece James and 21-year-old Mason Mount at the break, changes which turned the game.
Ross Barkley, introduced at half-time, scored the only goal to send Chelsea through.
“I could’ve made different changes,” Lampard said. “Mason has played two games in a week and had a lot of input against Manchester City. Reece and Billy have not played much since lockdown.
“They are going to be top players and have really top careers in football. You can call it a learning experience but I didn’t do it for that. They can take it on board. I’ve got no worries at all. It was just the circumstances today. We had to drag ourselves out of a lethargic performance.”
Lampard spoke to the substituted players at half time and after the final whistle and will consider talking them through his decision in training during the coming days if he feels they need it. “It happens in football,” Lampard said. “Sometimes it’s a tough game. I’ve got no problem with them. I’l happily speak to them.
“The performance was lethargic for the whole team and they were part of it. I’ll say that to them – no problem. If I had a problem with anyone’s work ethic or attitude I would tell them but I have no problem with them at all.”
Lampard explained that he would not have made three changes at half-time had extra substitutes not been introduced since play resumed following the coronavirus shutdown.
“The substitutes are there for a bit of protection,” Lampard said. “We’ve seen a few injuries in the first few games. The bench gives me different options. You look at midfield and attacking players who cover a lot of ground with high intensity.”
More on Chelsea
- The new Special One: How Lampard has usurped Mourinho at Chelsea
- Problem of his own making: Werner’s transfer will leave Lampard with a selection headache
- 10 youngsters set to shine as the Premier League (finally) returns
- A star is born… Gilmour sets the tempo to leave Everton dazed and confused
- Barkley’s backwards career exposed in chastening night against Bayern Munich
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3eIa6AS
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