Cesar Azpilicueta says Frank Lampard has brought unity at Chelsea

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has said that the appointment of Frank Lampard as the new manager has brought more togetherness at the club. The Blues had a mixed 2018/19 campaign under former boss Maurizio Sarri and there were periods where the manager and players had drawn criticism from the club’s supporters.

Nonetheless, they ended the previous season on a high with Europa League success and Azpilicueta believes the mood has been brightened with the recruitment of Lampard, he said:“That feeling can be massive. It is true that last season, for periods, we didn’t give the fans what they expected. Our performances were not good enough and the reason they were not happy and negative.

“We turned it around and won the Europa League but you can see this season all of the fans are very happy we have the gaffer back at the Bridge. Now we have to give it back by working hard on the pitch, by winning games. We are very happy to have him with us. I can’t add anything to his career at Chelsea as a player.”

Chelsea have had the trend of sacking managers under the Roman Abramovich era, but Sarri was recently an exception after deciding to return to the Serie A for personal reasons. Elsewhere, the Blues are under a transfer ban for the next 12 months and reports have suggested that Lampard won’t get the axe, should the Blues stumble in the Premier League next term.

Such an assurance has undoubtedly lifted the mood among the fans and it remains to be seen whether the Blues can remain competitive on the field irrespective of the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid. The Belgian has been the key contributor for the Blues over the years and last season, he was fundamental to the club’s top-four finish after bagging 16 goals and 15 assists.