Frank Lampard admits he has ‘mixed feelings’ after Chelsea were beaten 4-1 at Manchester United on Thursday evening.
Chelsea’s poor form continued with a comprehensive defeat at Old Trafford, a result which extends the club’s recent record to one win eight Premier League games since Lampard’s return as interim manager.
The west Londoners were second best against a Manchester United team who confirmed Champions League qualification, though Lampard admits he saw positives from his side despite an emphatic scoreline.
“They [Man United] had a clinical nature in front of goal,” said Lampard, as per the Chelsea website. “We were the better football team in the middle chunk of the game. For possession and chances created we matched them at least; we had better chances. Then to be 2-0 down in that situation is a sign of where we are at.
“I have mixed feelings, we played okay in parts today. There were some individual performances within the game which I think can be nice shoots for the future, if they are worked on, but of course the reality when you come to Manchester United is how clinical they are in front of goal, how non-clinical we are, how we defended poorly individually in the second half. That’s how the result can come.
“There is talent in the squad but it was another reality day today. It is going to take work to change that.”
Chelsea will end the season in the bottom half for the first time since 1995/96 and could finish as low as 14th dependent on final day results. The Blues conclude their campaign at home to Newcastle on Sunday and Lampard discussed what is required to turn the club’s fortunes around next season.
“It is about training well every day, trying to improve, being a real collective unit,” he said.
“There is not a lack of effort, but you build credit through training, preparation and resilience.
“It’s been a bad year for the club and many clubs have these years. We have had massive success over the last 20 years.”
