Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Friday, October 30.
Lampard not focusing on longevity
Ahead of this weekend’s contest with Burnley, Frank Lampard, the Chelsea head coach, would not be drawn on questions asking about whether he wants to emulate Sean Dyche’s longevity at Turf Moor.
Dyche has spent eight years with Burnley, leading them to two promotions and consistent mid-table Premier League finishes. He is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League, three years ahead of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
But when asked about his ambitions to emulate Dyche, Lampard said that he was only focusing on this season.
“I am planning for the weekend, the next month and how we will do this season,” the Chelsea boss said. “No manager will probably commit to the answer that you want me to say there. I am not going to plan any further than this season.
“I think it is a great achievement by Sean and what he has done at Burnley. It is absolutely fantastic of an achievement actually when you think of the balance of the Premier League, spend and outgoings relative to the results he has produced year after year.
“I have got huge respect for him and it will always be a difficult game. We got two good results against Burnley last year but I have got no doubts, I have watched them particularly with how difficult they made it against Tottenham, it is going to be a very tough match.”
Dean Smith outlines Ross Barkley ambitions
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has praised the impact of Ross Barkley, who is currently on loan from Chelsea, revealing that the 26-year-old has ambitions of earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad ahead of next summer’s European Championships.
“He's someone I felt we needed,” said Smith ahead of Villa's match against Southampton this weekend. “I look at the Premier League and you need legs in your midfield area because you've got to cover a lot of ground in a game. Ross does that.
“He's got ambitions to get into the Euro squad at the end of the season. With the quality Chelsea have got they couldn't guarantee anyone minutes.
“His work ethic and attitude has been tremendous. He brings us that added bit of quality that we needed.”
Henry Lawrence to sign new deal
Chelsea starlet Henry Lawrence is set to sign a new three-year deal with the club before being sent out on loan, per recent reports.
The full-back was a consistent presence for the under-23s last season and was even named to the bench in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Now, the Daily Mirror report that Lampard, who has been impressed by Lawrence, is keen to reward the 19-year-old with a three-year deal before sending him out on loan.
Chelsea reportedly attempted to secure a loan transfer in the summer window but failed to do so. Per the report, they will explore that avenue again in January.
