Frank Lampard denies dig at Graham Potter as Blues meet with ex-Bayern boss

18 April 2023 , 03:00

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It's a night that could yet save Chelsea's season.

Lying 11th in the league amid a 2-1 home loss to Brighton on Saturday, Frank Lampard and co host Real Madrid on Tuesday knowing a special night is needed to keep their flailing 2022/23 campaign alive. Trailing 2-0 from the Bernabeu, the odds appear stacked against them, but the man who was part of the club's equally unlikely European triumph 11 years ago has been at pains to point out that he and his players believe.

But as so often the case with Chelsea, they go in with no shortage of background noise. Owner Todd Boehly is reportedly stepping up his search for a permanent boss, while Lampard has had to deny criticising the man recently sacked by the America. Ahead of a season defining night, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest headlines from Stamford Bridge....

Lampard denies he took a dig at former Chelsea boss Potter

In the aftermath of the Brighton debacle, Lampard appeared to take aim at predecessor Graham Potter by implying the players were not fit enough following his ill-fated seven month stint: "I think the team needs some physical work," he said.

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Graham Potter lasted just 10 months as Chelsea boss (Getty Images)

"I think that’s important for us because at this level you have to be right on the limit and we are not on the limit right now. I think that can be a capacity thing with the players for whatever reason. It doesn’t matter how we got there but it needs to be addressed now.”

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However, is his pre-match press conference ahead of the tie with Madrid, Lampard dismissed the suggestions of one reporter that his words were a dig at the previous regime: "No, I think that's how you've taken it," he replied. "I've always been big in football on personal responsibility, I'm not blaming anyone else for what I see now or what I'll see in the future, it's just something that we have to address now and address going forward because it's a big part of the game. We'll do a lot of work and delve into the data."

Talks held with Nagelsmann as Chelsea step up search

Initially, Luis Enrique appeared the favourite to succeed Potter, before the temporary left field move for Lampard. But it suddenly appears that a deal with Julian Nagelsmann is nearing after Chelsea representatives met with ex-Bayern Munich boss.

Julian Nagelsmann is at the top of Chelsea's manager shortlist along with Luis Enrique (Getty Images)

Sky Sports have reported that director of global talent and transfers Paul Winstanley flew to Germany last week to speak with the 35-year-old about the vacancy at Stamford Bridge. The club have also seemingly held discussions with Bayern, now ironically managed by Thomas Tuchel, about a potential compensation package if he's appointed.

But Todd Boehly is also said ti be keeping his options open. Enrique, along with the out-of-work Mauricio Pochettino and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim all remain in the frame - with Lampard keeping the seat warm in the meantime.

Kepa keeps perspective on owner's dressing room rant

Boehly made a hasty trip to the Chelsea changing room after the final whistle on Saturday, and it wasn't to pat the boys on the back. But suggestions that the owner letting rip was unwelcome have been dismissed by Lampard, who insists he's "comfortable" with the American having his say.

Todd Boehly headed to the Chelsea changing rooms after the Brighton defeat (IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)

There was maybe some criticism of our old owner of not coming to the game," he told reporters. "That wasn't always true, but when the owners are very invested in the team and want to help and improve, I think it's their prerogative to have the input they want."

Lampard also backed up keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who had earlier argued that Boehly addressing the squad post match was a regular occurrence: "Todd came to the changing rooms, every game, he had different chat with us," he claimed. "I'm not going to say what he said but it's normal when he came to the changing room."