Scolari stands up for Lamps
23 Aug 2008 - 11:10:28
Chelsea head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has backed midfield ace Frank Lampard to quickly recover from another disappointing display for England.
Lampard was booed by some sections of the Wembley crowd when he was replaced late on in the 2-2 friendly draw with Czech Republic, but Scolari has no doubts about his player's capabilities.
An incredulous Scolari said: "In England? In the national team? I don't believe it.
"I don't believe this because Frank Lampard tries to do the best job for the national team and for Chelsea.
"One time in Portugal when I lost a match against Spain people waved the white handkerchiefs. Afterwards they said they wanted me out.
"They booed me many times as Portugal manager and players sometimes. What I try to do is give confidence to the player, because people sometimes do not understand what is happening with the whole team.
"It's not one player that makes a team, it is eleven. I think England have very good players and Lampard is one of these players.
"I asked Frank today are you sad? He said no. I said 'I know why you are sad because now you renewed your contract and you have money, you have to think about how to spend it'. He laughed."