Frank Lampard has defended Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and insists the American’s dressing room pep talk shows his passion for the club.
The American is understood to have entered the dressing room to address the players following the club’s 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton last weekend, a run which extended the club’s run to three consecutive losses in all competitions this season.
Chelsea face Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie this evening, trailing 2-0 on aggregate from the first meeting in Spain.
Ahead of the clash, interim boss Lampard was asked for his opinion on Boehly’s involvement and believes the players will appreciate the owner’s input and show of ‘passion’.
“There may be some criticism of our old owner, not coming to games and not being around, although that wasn’t always true, but when an owner is very invested in their team and wanting to help and improve, it’s their prerogative to have the input they want,” Lampard told his pre-match press conference.
“I remember as a player the moments of owners first coming into dressing rooms. It happened here at Chelsea, and I was really happy.
“You could feel them, high five them, touch them, listen to them, so it’s not a bad thing with the identity of the club and where you want to get to. I have no problem with it.
“I had my things to say after the game. If an owner comes in and wants to be positive and speak to the players, it’s absolutely his part to do that. It shows passion, and that’s the first thing I like. Passion goes both ways.
“The fans show passion, and the ownership wouldn’t expect anything else. We all have a passion for wanting this club to do well. We have been fortunate to be successful for the last 20 years, which means you want more of it.
“Passionate owners want to make a difference to the club and we are in the early stages of a process on those terms. People always question everything at the beginning of the process.
“For us working we have to get our heads down and work in front of us. Passion is normal. We can all be passionate together and get to where we want to be.”
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