Frank Lampard has hit back at Jose Mourinho after the Portuguese questioned the Chelsea manager's team selection in Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Lampard named a youthful team at Old Trafford with the likes of Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham handed starting roles after returning to Stamford Bridge following loan spells.
The Blues suffered a 4-0 defeat to United, though, and Mourinho - working as a pundit for Sky Sports - questioned his former midfielder for leaving out the likes of N'Golo Kante and Willian.
Kante entered as a second-half substitute while Willian was omitted altogether for the clash in Manchester. Lampard, however, dismissed the criticism and claimed that he could not "drag people out of the medical room".
"I don't have to be too concerned about what anyone else says, the pundits, but what is clear is the squad is the squad we've got and I believe in it," Lampard told reporters.
"I can't drag people out of the medical room, whether they're experienced or not. The players we played today, and on the bench, are the players we have. We were missing internationals and big players, but I don't want that to be an excuse. We were competing for long periods."
Chelsea will now head to Istanbul for the UEFA Super Cup against Liverpool on Wednesday night before continuing their Premier League season at home to Leicester City next Sunday.
Matt Law
