FRANK LAMPARD launched a passionate defence of his Chelsea players after they were booed off at half and full time.
An own goal from Blues skipper Cesar Azpilicueta and a 78th minute strike by Brentford sub Bryan Mbeumo condemned Chelsea to a fifth straight defeat since Lampard took over as caretaker boss.
Their eight game winless run is also the worst for 30 years but Lampard claims his players did their best and that he does not care what people think.
He said: “I won’t sit here and bemoan the players. I feel the opposite for the players tonight.
“We controlled the game and created more chances. With 20 per cent more confidence we win the game, probably.
“No disrespect to Brentford. Normally we win the game, we don’t because of the moment we’re in.
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“I’m not concerned about what people on the outside are thinking. They don’t understand the conditions you are working in.
“Two of those games have been against Real Madrid. Brentford won at Man City earlier this season.
“If you’re a Chelsea fan you’re used to 20 years of success and you want more. I’ve no problem with fans booing.
“I will defend the players because I know they are young players who want to do well. Is there an issue with confidence and the balance of the squad? Yeah.
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“They performed like they wanted to win. Are we dynamic enough in the final third no?
“Is there an issue with confidence in the squad? Yes. Those things won’t change overnight. I’m just supporting them.
“I understand the fans booing, they want us to win. when we win they cheer. When we lose I understand they’re disappointed.”
“We had a foothold in the game but Brentford always turn you round with corners and throw-ins and the goal came from that.
“In the second half we were more dynamic and created more chances on the counter attack. It wasn’t an application thing.
“We have to keep working and fighting to create opps to score goals. Two things, maybe aren’t goals in the team and when you’re low on confidence.
“Maybe a fresh Auba scores those goals… but it’s a clear issue with the squad that’s why we haven’t scored enough goals for a team like Chelsea.
“The only way out of it is work. There is clearly a confidence problem and you can see that in the players’ faces.
If you’re a Chelsea fan you’re used to 20 years of success and you want more. I’ve no problem with fans booing.
Frank Lampard
“The players aren’t bemoaning each other at the moment. I came here for a reason because the results are not what they want.
“I took it on knowing the jeopardy and I’m proud to be here.”
Chelsea have scored only 30 goals in 32 Premier League games this season. They are 11th and sit eight points behind Brentford.
This was boss Thomas Frank’s 100th win as Bees’ boss and he will celebrate with a small glass of red wine to toast the fact his team has now surpassed last season’s points tally of 46.
This is also Brentford’s second successive win at Stamford Bridge. Last season’s was their first since 1939.
Frank said: “It is so nice to win. After a spell of pressure in the second half we controlled much of the game.
“I was surprised by their line up. I have so much respect for them but it is no secret that Chelsea is in a bad place.
“But this is still Stamford Bridge, it is still Chelsea and they still have unbelievable players.
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“I’m pleased with the win but I wanted more points. That would put us in a very interesting position.
“We face Nottingham Forest who have beaten a flying Brighton and they are fighting to avoid relegation, it will be difficult.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
