Harry Diamond
Frank Lampard wants Chelsea to show more ‘steel’ ahead of the Premier League run-in and has discussed N’Golo Kante’s role in the side.
Chelsea have made a positive start to the season’s restart with back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Manchester City, before booking their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with victory at Leicester on Sunday.
Lampard spoke of his happiness at the Blues’ winning run with the west London side now well placed to secure Champions League qualification, though the Chelsea boss has urged his side to show more ‘steel’ as they bid to finish the season strongly.
“I am happy to win games, elements of the way we have played,” Lampard said at his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s trip to West Ham.
“We showed steel against Man City, it’s something we must improve and get better at. We need to keep working and we need to focus on every part of our game.
“I have spoken about it because we do look at stats. We have had a lot of games which have been crucial where we have had chances but not converted.
“We have shown a good eye for it. We have created a lot. We are scoring more regularly and we’ll strive for more.”
Lampard also discussed N’Golo Kante’s role in his side with the midfielder’s position having been a subject of debate in recent months, the France international having switched between a box-to-box and holding role.
Kante, who has been compared to Lampard’s former teammate Claude Makelele, is regarded by many amongst the finest defensive midfielders in world football, and his return from injury has been a welcome boost for Lampard’s side with the manager praising the 29-year-old’s all-action style.
“It’s a different position from Makelele, with eras it changes,” the Chelsea boss added. “With N’Golo I wanted to have a fluidity to us. He has capacity for high-intensity running. He has done it well and we can improve as a unit.
“It is new for N’Golo, but he is an incredible player. He will be huge for this club for years to come. He is doing a really good job.”
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