Frank Lampard has told Chelsea players that it could have been better if they did not sign for the club than to play for the Blues with less determination.
Chelsea were defeated 1-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, being Frank Lampard’s first game of his second stint as the Blues boss.
The Blues will now have to quickly shift their focus to the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Madrid on Wednesday.
“If you’re worried, don’t come. The players shouldn’t be. It’s a carrot for them when they sign for Chelsea,” the former England midfielder said while addressing the press after the match.
Mateo Kovacic is one of the most experienced players in the Blues squad, having played in multiple Champions League finals and two World Cup semi-finals.
Mykhailo Mudryk, on the other hand, joined Chelsea in January in a deal worth over £88 million but has so far lived below the expectations of many Chelsea supporters.
“Every player in that squad whether it’s Mateo Kovacic deserve to play for Chelsea or if you’re Mudryk and you come here, you’ve had your pathway to get here. You’re here for a reason.”
The former Blues captain added that their Champions League game on Wednesday would be a completely different game.