Frank Lampard on Jose Mourinho's Pressure Comments, Christian Pulisic's Fitness & Harry Kane's Form

28 November 2020 15:30

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has hit back at Jose Mourinho's recent remarks about the Blues' spending in the transfer market ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table clash with Tottenham.

Lampard's men come into Sunday's game in excellent form, having not tasted defeat since they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Spurs back in September. The west Londoners will go into the clash full of confidence and will be hoping to move above their capital city rivals. Mourinho's men - who are top of the table - are currently two points ahead of the Blues, but Chelsea can overtake them with a victory.

With both sides in fine fettle, Sunday's London derby promises to be a gripping encounter. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Lampard has now shared his thoughts on a number of topics.


On Mourinho's Comments

Lampard has responded to Mourinho's remarks | Getty Images/Getty Images

In classic Mourinho fashion, the Portuguese took a swipe at his former club by alluding to their spending during the last transfer window and encouraged football fans to put the pressure on the Blues for Sunday's game as they should be considered the favourites.

But Lampard has since hit back at Mourinho, saying, as quoted by The Express: "The pressures at Tottenham will be big, because Jose built a fantastic squad and has incredible players.

"We are both in the same position. We want success and people have expectations of us and we work towards that. But it’s very comparable if you look at their spending since I have been at Chelsea.

"We all have pressures as managers. Jose was here as a manager so he understands it. He went to Manchester United and would have understood the pressures there when you spend a lot of money."


On Harry Kane & Son Heung-min

Kane has been in excellent form this season | DAVE THOMPSON/Getty Images

Harry Kane and Son Heung-min have been in truly sensational form so far this term, combining for nine goals already in the league - and they will be looking to fire Spurs to another victory on Sunday.

The pair are now just seven shy of Lampard and Didier Drogba's own shared all-time record of 36 combinations in the Premier League, and the Chelsea boss has explained just how aware of their threat he is, saying in his pre-match press conference, via the Daily Mail: "I have got no qualms about that record, fair play to them.

"I’m aware of their threats, the understanding is clear. It is something we have to be aware of, they are strong in lots of different areas and we have to try and nullify that. With players like Son and Kane, they have worked on that for years and I would love to get something here."

Lampard further singled out Kane for praise, adding: "He [Kane] has matured as a player, he is a very impressive player. I think he is an intelligent player and that is why they are in a strong position. Harry Kane is in a sweet spot at the moment."


On Roman Abramovich's 1,000th Game

The clash with Spurs will be Abramovich's 1,000th game | Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Roman Abramovich will oversee his 1,000th game as Chelsea owner on Sunday and Lampard was keen to thank him for his backing - particularly during these unprecedented times.

"I'm very thankful for him doing what he has done for the club because it changed my career as a player. Now I am fortunate enough to be working at this fantastic club as a manager," Lampard said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"Some of the recent actions over Covid times have shown a big heart and empathy from the owner, because it always comes from him. I am genuinely very thankful for what Roman Abramovich has brought to the club and my part of the deal is to do my absolute best to get us back fighting for titles."


On Christian Pulisic's Fitness

Pulisic is available for Sunday's game | Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Lampard has confirmed that Pulisic will be available for selection against Spurs, having missed out recently through injury. As for Kai Havertz, he made his return against Rennes after recovering from coronavirus and could make his Premier League return on Sunday.

Lampard said: "Team news is that we are as we were. Christian Pulisic is back in, Kai Havertz was getting some minutes the other week.

"Whether Christian is ready to start is another question, as it is hard to gauge match fitness when you’ve only been training but he is ready and he is in contention.

"Havertz played some minutes against Rennes the other day following his time out and it’s more just checking on his potential for match fitness, but overall we are in pretty good shape."


Source: 90min