Frank Lampard was taking questions from the press after his sides 2-1 victory over Lille in France last night, giving them their first three points in the Champions League.
The man who scored the first goal, Willian, was the subject of questions towards Frank Lampard regarding his future at the club.
It was reported back in July by The Evening Standard that Willian had agreed a new contract with Chelsea. Fast forward three months and there has still yet to be confirmation of this, only rumours of him leaving on a free in the summer.
Lampard has made it clear that he is not involved in these negotiations, as reported by the Chelsea website, he said:
“I have got no news on the Willian contract. That’s a conversation between Willy, his representatives and the club. Everyone can see I’m happy with Willy on the pitch.”
Lampard was very pleased with the performances of some of his academy produced players last night though, with 5 of them on show.
Reece James started the match at right wing back and put in a decent shift. Whilst Tammy Abraham scored Chelsea’s all important opening goal, which was actually a very excellently taken goal.
Via the Chelsea website, Lampard said:
“As a side story it’s special. The Academy are getting the recognition they deserve for the work they’ve done. The fans are loving it, the club are loving it and the players are responding.
“But this isn’t a game for niceties, we have to go and win these matches and improve all the time. There were loads of signs of team improvement, and individuals.
“Reece James for instance was thrown into his first Champions League game and looked so comfortable. The only reason to change was tactical and his fitness because he hasn’t had many games.
“The young players are responding, and they have to keep doing that because this Champions League level is something else. They did well tonight and they can do even better.
“Tammy’s performance was more of the same. He’s hungry for goals, he’s physical, he gives everything for the team and he has quality when the ball is at his feet.
“Of course there’s improvement to be had but he’s showing that. The minute Tammy’s levels drop, then we look next to Giroud and Batshuayi, and can they come in and make a difference.
“We will see many more Champions League goals from him I hope, and many more performances like tonight.”
