FRANK LAMPARD believes he is judged differently as the sole English boss at a top Premier League club.
Ahead of the trip to Russian side Krasnodar FC, Lamps, 42, is managing Chelsea in his second Champions League campaign.
Frank Lampard reckons he is judged to a higher standard than other big six managersCredit: AFP
The last Englishman to achieve that was legendary Sir Bobby Robson 17 years ago with Newcastle United.
Asked generally if he is scrutinised differently because he is from England, Lampard replied: “I think possibly, yes. Possibly, yes.
“When I got this job, a lot of people were questioning me. A lot of people told me: ‘Are you sure you want to take it because of opinion?’
“Sometimes people can be very quick to form opinions straightaway for whatever reason.
“Being a young English manager with one year at Derby some of that I understood.
“But we do have to judge people on face value like any manager, no matter of where you’re from. I was proud of what we achieved last season.”
The Chelsea boss hopes football owners will consider employing more home-grown talent in the future.
He said: “I was surprised by the stat when I was told it, joining the great Bobby Robson, and to be the only Englishman who has done it since.
“I don’t feel the responsibility of the ‘English managers’ union’.
“It was a long time ago, towards the end of my career, when I heard English managers would get jobs in the Premier League. There was a merry-go-round.
“But I think it’s slightly different. Sometimes now we see English managers showing their qualities in the game, throughout the Premier League and Championship.
“Hopefully there are more opportunities for them.
“Sometimes with the brilliant invasion of great quality coaches and players into the Premier League, sometimes our eyes go to that.
“It becomes very new and trendy, rightly so, with managers who have achieved so much. But hopefully we can also have managers at home who can do the jobs as well.”
Chelsea come into this European tie on the back of two successive 0-0 draws.
Edouard Mendy will keep his place in goal with Kepa Arrizabalaga unavailable due to a shoulder problem.
Lampard is the first English manager to take charge of a second Champions League campaign since Sir Bobby Robson 17 years agoCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Kurt Zouma is hoping for a clean sheet and a win as the perfect birthday presentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
German international Antonio Rudiger could make his first appearance of the season after Lampard confirmed they had discussed his future.
Brazilian defender Thiago Silva has not travelled for this second Group E match.
Kurt Zouma, who celebrated his 26th birthday last night, admitted the players speak French on the pitch in defence whenever Silva is starting.
Zouma said: “At the minute we are talking in French because Thiago is still learning.
“With the other guys we talk English. Edouard understands English very well, can speak English. Naturally I speak French to Thiago.
“My best birthday present? A clean sheet and a win would be perfect – that would be the best gift I’d like.
“I haven’t played before, no, on my birthday. This is the first time.”
Chelsea likely (4-2-3-1): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, Chilwell; Kante, Kovacic; Ziyech, Havertz, Pulisic; Werner
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy reveals he nearly quit football while on dole and living with pregnant girlfriend
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
