FRANK LAMPARD has revealed he dropped Mason Mount to the bench because the Chelsea star “felt rough”.
Mount was a shock omission from the starting XI for the 2-0 loss to Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
Mount was a shock omission from Chelsea’s starting XICredit: Reuters
Callum Hudson-Odoi came in for fellow England star Mount but failed to make much of an impact in the surprising defeat.
Mount was brought on at half-time but Lamps admitted his introduction had just a “small impact”.
Speaking afterwards, Lampard revealed Mount has been battling illness and that’s why he did not start.
Asked about bringing the midfielder on at half-time, the Blues boss said: “It had a small impact but it did not change the result.
“Mason has been feeling rough the last few days. It brightened it a bit but not enough.
“We controlled the game but we are not getting anything in the box. It’s a testing period but we have to deal with that.”
Chelsea fans turned on Hudson-Odoi after he gave away possession in the build up to Southampton’s first goal.
Some even called for the wideman to be sold to Bayern Munich.
One said: “Hudson-Odoi is the worst player at Chelsea. Should’ve taken 40m from Bayern and never look back.”
Another said: “Bayern Munich can have Callum Hudson-Odoi for free.”
One added: “Hudson odoi is overrated… Chelsea should have cashed in on him when Bayern wanted him.”
Lampard also conceded that away teams are making life tough for his side at the Bridge, when really it should be the other way round.
He said: “Teams are making it difficult here. We are not making enough chances, we were at the beginning of the season.
“We are being asked a different question at home. At the moment we are not answering them. We do not manage to pick up that final pass.
“Against Tottenham we had space to make runs and today we had none. It changes things.
“We did not do it right today. I think If at the start of the season we would have been happy where we are. We are good away but we have to make it difficult to come here.”
Mason Mount unfazed by added Chelsea competition as Lampard eyes January spending spree if transfer ban is reduced
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
