Frank Lampard lost his job as the Blues boss after a string of poor results, following which he was replaced by Thomas Tuchel. In his first interview since the sacking, Lampard has answered several questions regarding his time as the club’s head coach.
Former Chelsea midfielder’s interest in signing Declan Rice for the Blues was well documented last summer. The Blues boss reportedly wanted the English central midfielder to be a part of the squad for the 2020/21 season but was denied the request. Speaking for the first time since his departure from Stamford Bridge, Lampard has spoken about his interest in the player.
Now you see him in the England squad and quickly you don’t see an England team without Declan in it.
We are fortunate to have him in England, West Ham are fortunate to have him. He’s a leader and it is clear that he’s destined for great things. I have probably given it away with how I spoke about him but I think it’s common knowledge that I was a big fan of his
he said.
Chelsea were unable to include Rice in the list of summer 2020 signings, reportedly due to West Ham United’s unwillingness to sell their key player. Lampard hints at the same while stating that the choice to leave the Hammers in the future remains with Rice.
“But I was a big fan of him. For understandable reasons, West Ham know the player that they have on their hands.
“I don’t want Declan to be in an uncomfortable position through this because all I see from him is absolute performance and desire to play for West Ham. They gave him the chance there and the choice will be Declan’s as the years go ahead, but his performances are great to watch.”
Lampard added.
Rice’s West Ham are currently fourth in the league table. The Hammers have been on an incredible run domestically, which has seen them leapfrog Rice’s would-be suitors Chelsea in fourth. David Moyes’s men currently occupy one of the four automatic UEFA Champions League qualification spots on the table with just ten games left to play this season.
On the other hand, Chelsea had been on a good run of their own until last weekend. The Blues were unbeaten in all competitions under new boss Thomas Tuchel until they played West Bromwich Albion. The Baggies recorded an incredible 5-2 win over their much-stronger opponents, thanks in part to a Thiago Silva red card.
Nevertheless, Tuchel’s team could bounce back in the midweek Champions League quarter-final first leg tie against FC Porto. Chelsea won 2-0 away in Seville and take a massive advantage with them into the second leg next week. Mason Mount continued his fine run under the new boss by scoring the opening goal of the match. Ben Chilwell, who has often been on the sidelines since Tuchel’s arrival, scored the second to give Chelsea the upper hand.
Chelsea plays Crystal Palace next in the league – a match which they won four-nil earlier this season. Chilwell scored his first Chelsea goal that night, while Jorginho scored twice from the penalty spot. Should the Blues win their match against the Eagles, they will move to fourth in the table. However, West Ham could overtake their London rivals once more on Sunday if they beat Leicester City in their league match.
