Harry Diamond
Frank Lampard insists he thrives on the high ‘expectations’ at Chelsea as the club prepare to challenge for the title following their summer spending spree.
Chelsea head into the new season with increased optimism following a significant summer of investment, the club securing deals for a host of leading names including the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and club-record signing Kai Havertz.
The west London side open their campaign with a trip to face Brighton on Monday night and many are speculating that the Blues could close the gap on the division’s leading sides after finishing fourth last season.
Lampard, however, is keen to urge caution when it comes to title talk and says his focus is on closing the gap and building confidence, though admits he is unfazed by the added pressure and expectations of success at Stamford Bridge.
“That comes with the territory of this job,” said Lampard at his pre-match press conference.
“I don’t want to talk about us making statements [with the new signings]. We should be excited but also have a word of caution that we need to work with the new players and my job is to get them settled and get the team working as well as possible.
“Unfortunately it’s been a broken pre-season for everyone and when you’re bringing in new players you have to work very hard very quickly. We’ll do that.
“Other people can talk about whether we challenge or not. We have finished a lot of points behind in the last two seasons so we have to first look at closing the gap and building confidence. I’m not jumping ahead. Expectations will always be there and I thrive on them. I came here to try and win.”
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