Lampard pleads for patience after slow Chelsea start

Pulse News Agency International by AFP

August 18, 2019 6:28 PM

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard insisted his young squad will need time to develop after blowing a bright start to draw 1-1 at home to Leicester on Sunday.

Slow start: Frank Lampard has not won any of his first three games in charge of Chelsea

Mason Mount gave Lampard the dream start on his first match in charge at Stamford Bridge after just seven minutes.

However, Chelsea failed to take advantage of their dominance in the opening quarter and could easily have lost the game after Wilfred Ndidi's equaliser for the Foxes as Leicester had by far the better chances.

Chelsea have now failed to win in each of Lampard's first three games as manager after losing 4-0 to Manchester United last weekend and on penalties to Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup in midweek.

"The first 25 minutes were fast, we had quality. We could have scored more goals and I was delighted at that start," said Lampard.

"It was up to us to keep that momentum up and we didn't. We needed to keep the pressure up and we didn't. There will always be things to work on, it's early on in the season but we have to remember we need to get points and improve."

Lampard has given the likes of Mount and Tammy Abraham a chance to shine with the Blues banned for signing new players this summer and wants his side to be more clinical.

"It's very early for us. We have to be patient as we are working towards something," he added.

"Two or three-nil would have taken the game away from them but we didn't take those chances. That's the story of our season so far. We need to be more clinical, for sure. It is defining."

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers was also disappointed at his side's failure to take their chances with James Maddison and Jamie Vardy missing great opportunities.

"I'm happy with the level of our football, the speed of our game and the only disappointment was we should've won the match," said Rodgers, who assumed responsibility for Ndidi's mistake that led to Mount's opener.

The Nigerian international was caught in possession on the edge of his own box, leaving Mount with just Kasper Schmeichel to beat.

"I'm disappointed with the goal, but I assume responsibility with that as I ask the players to build the game. When they make mistakes it is my fault."

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

Pulse News Agency International by AFP