Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has described Frank Lampard as a “perfect fit” for Chelsea ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash between the two clubs.
Rodgers was a coach at Stamford Bridge for four years during the 41-year-old’s illustrious career with the Blues, which saw him win 11 major trophies and become the club’s record goalscorer.
Lampard took charge at Chelsea this summer after only one year in charge of Sky Bet Championship club Derby, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Manchester United on his Premier League managerial bow before losing to Liverpool on penalties in the Super Cup.
However, Rodgers believes the time was right for Lampard to make the step up and feels he will make a success of the job.
“Frank and (assistant) Jody (Morris) are a perfect fit for it. They both understand the fabric of the club,” said Rodgers.
“Frank understands the policy at the club, with the transfer ban, and he is giving young players a chance, which perhaps in the past those young players wouldn’t get that opportunity.
“But, under Frank and Jody, young players are getting a chance to flourish now and he is doing a good job.
“In the games I have seen, Chelsea have played with a good tempo and intensity. Frank understands the importance of giving those young players a chance, but he also knows he has to win matches and get results, and I believe he will do well there.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers has challenged Demarai Gray to progress this season after the winger was left out of the matchday squad for the opening game of the campaign against Wolves.
Gray’s exclusion last weekend was the first time since joining the Foxes in January 2016 that he had been dropped for a Premier League match despite being fit.
To be involved again, Rodgers has told the 23-year-old he must perform at his best in training.
“He’s a talented player, Demarai,” said Rodgers. “It’s one as a coach where you look at training and the strategy going into the game in terms of what you need within it.
“It’s a very competitive squad, which is what we want, but he understands where he’s at. I spoke to him at length about where I see him.
“Hopefully this year he can make a step forward. That’s going to mean in training that he has to be the very best he possibly can be.
“You’ve got to show that mentality in training to improve your game and give yourself an opportunity to be in the matchday squad – and that’s something he has very much done this week.”
