Frank Lampard issues warning to Chelsea ahead of Manchester United clash

Chelsea is set to take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. The Blues will travel to Old Trafford in the backdrop of two consecutive draws against Southampton and Sevilla. While United seems to gather momentum.

The Blues gave away three goals against Southampton and the game ended in a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge. In the next game in the Champions League, they impressed defensively but failed to score against Sevilla. Thus there is a sense of anxiety at the club.

While Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side has bounced back with two consecutive wins after a humiliating 1-6 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford. The Red Devils left it late to win 1-4 against Newcastle and they followed it with another later winner in a 1-2 win against PSG.

Frank Lampard is under pressure to deliver after spending more than $200 million in the transfer market. While Manchester United are looking to strengthen on their back to back victories.

Frank Lampard warning to Chelsea

The Chelsea manager has warned his club not to take this game lightly as it will be a big test for them. In his pre-match press conference, Lampard was asked whether the Blues can build upon their impressive defensive performance against Sevilla?

He replied “They (Manchester United) might be building on their performance tonight as well! They had a really good result.“

The Englishman also highlighted that last season against Valencia they lost the Champions League opening game. However this season a draw against Sevilla has given them more confidence. He said, “We lost this game last year against Valencia so it’s a much better start for us and it gives us confidence ahead of what’s going to be a difficult group, no matter what way you look at it.“

The former Derby manager warned his team that their confidence will be tested against Manchester United. He also urged his team to have more belief in them to get the result at Old Trafford. He said, “Manchester United are a huge test off the back of a very good result for them but we have to go there with belief“.

The Chelsea faithful will be hopeful that the Chelsea players are able to turn Lampard’s belief into victory. The Blues are currently eighth in the table with eight points. While Manchester United are fifteenth in the table with six points.

Pressure is on Lampard to deliver

It would be an understatement to say that Frank Lampard is not under pressure at Chelsea. The Blues spent more than $200 million in the transfer market but they had a start-stop beginning to the new season. Some of the decisions taken by fans haven’t been very popular as well.

Lampard’s constant obsession to improve and give chance after chance to Mason Mount has been heavily criticized by fans. It is argued that he is unnecessarily played out of position on the left-wing, despite the availability of Callum Hudson Odoi.

Fikayo Tomori’s constant snub is also attracting the attention of the fans. The likes of Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma despite committing errors are given been given chances. While a young defender like Tomori is often overlooked by Lampard.

Antonio Rudiger’s cold treatment is baffling as well. The German was Chelsea’s best defender before the arrival of Thiago Silva. Rudiger and Silva were expected to be first-choice center-backs. However, if Chelsea is able to win games, Lampard will be to justify all his decisions.