Chelsea

Frank Lampard hits back at Jorginho criticism

By Sammy Wynne | 20 May 2021

Frank Lampard responds to criticism from Jorginho, who claims that Lampard was not ready for the Chelsea job, after only managing Derby County in the Championship.

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has strongly responded to criticism from midfielder Jorginho, who made comments about Lampard's readiness for the Blues job.

Lampard was dismissed from his duties at Stamford Bridge at the end of January and replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who has since guided the West London side to the Champions League final.

Recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, Lampard did enjoy his first season in charge at Chelsea as the club qualified for the Champions League after dealing with a transfer ban.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Lampard said: "It's always going to be a fact as a manager when you leave a club, there will be some players who did not play so much and they might have a feeling or a judgement on how you work and they can make statements.

"For me, I have to expect that as much as I expect the good statements from players who are really positive about how you work. I've got no big issue with that. I've seen some quotes saying that Frank Lampard took this job with his heart. I absolutely didn't. I don't make any professional decisions with my heart."

Lampard went on to speak to The Mirror and answered questions about his future: "I would take a view on going into the Championship. If it was the right club, the right project for sure. I don't have an ego where I feel just because I've managed in the Champions League, that's the be all and end all. My year at Derby was such an enjoyable year."

Lampard has been linked with the Crystal Palace job as Roy Hodgson has confirmed he will leave Selhurst Park at the end of this season.