carefreeluke

He seems to be playing with more freedom which he’s mentioned himself. Sarri wanted him to do specific things in the role he played which I thought could potentially get the best out of him as it would help simplify his game. Lampard seems to be giving him a different role and ideas, let’s see what happens. You’d be foolish to get carried away though I guess.

He's looked very good indeed. You can see some of Mourinho's influence has rubbed off on Lampard. Lampard's always talked about how Mourinho played a big part in helping him become the player he was through man management and psychology (if you like), telling him how he good he was and Mourinho's role helped act as a catalyst for making Frank one of the best midfielders in the world. You can see similarities, Lampard so far has bigged the players up at any opportunity. The rhetoric with Conte and Sarri and the players was 'he's good but needs to improve', Lampard in most cases has just focused on the positives. Even with Kanté Conte and Sarri mentioned that he needed to improve, with Lampard on the other hand, it's been a different approach. I'm not saying one or the other is right but it's interesting to note the difference. Who knows Lampard could finally bring out the best in Barkley but I for one can't help but think it's another false dawn. Let's hope I'm wrong.

Yeah, this is a worry. Set-pieces seem to be a big concern and we're leaking too many goals in general at the moment also, hopefully, we can sort it out.

Added to the Everton links, Ross Barkley has been on fire this pre-season. Class assist and great finish by Pedro.

Think I prefer Zouma to Rudiger. One thing’s for sure is that if they all stay, I imagine there’s going to be at least one centre back unhappy come the end of the season. Going to be hard for Lampard to keep them all happy. @RandoEFC @Cannabis What are your thoughts on Zouma last season?

RIP my man, gone too soon

Without saying how one of my best mates knows Jody Morris well on a personal level and he doesn't take any shit apparently. He's not afraid to make a decision and when he's crossed the person capable will definitely know about it. Lampard might come across very nice but in fairness, we don't know really what he's like day to day. Anyway, it still doesn't feel real that Lampard is the manager of Chelsea Football Club. As well as some other familiar faces from the past taking up big roles.

Kovacic is a weird one, in a different role or playing in a different team dynamic he might be more appreciated. There's something very unsatisfying about that price though, considering our best player went the other way for about half the price.

If things didn't look like they were progressing after the first season or even during the 2nd obviously the decision would have to be made. The main problem in all of this is the owner and board affording managers the right time. We don't know what guarantees and assurances Lampard will be made. Me and most Chelsea fans would be happy to just see some of our youth players feature heavily but playing youth and winning trophies does not have to be exclusive from the other. Above all the main objective would just be to see the team progressing. Irrespective of Sarri's league finish and Europa League win, l thought we had made progress as a team, tactically, mentally and we were in a better shape compared to earlier in the season. If Sarri hadn't finished 3rd and/or didn't win that trophy, it's likely there would have been many calling for his head. I for one would have been happy to see Sarri continue even if say we finished 5th and didn't win the final because I saw some positive signs and potential in how we were progressing on the pitch. On a personal level, I don't think we have many other options other than Lampard. Before considering Lampard, I would have had a punt on Erik Ten Hag if he could have been tempted. Allegri and Benitez would have been a step in the wrong direction, not to say they aren't decent managers.

If the owner and board assure Lampard and Morris that they are going to be here for 2-3 years no matter what happens and that they have heavy instruction from above to utilise the youth players, I would be over the moon. Of course, if there's no sign of progress in those years or good evidence starts to emerge that Lampard isn't the right fit, then that's life and we can look elsewhere. The key in this appointment is the content of the talks he's had or having with the club beforehand.

A true pleasure, my friend.

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

https://www.goal.com/en/news/morata-lifts-lid-on-his-chelsea-hell-pleads-with-atletico-to/1va1509gfwz1w1fi0ho8lhzj00 Morata moaning again, with even a dig at his Chelsea teammates.