Frank
Lampard insists he is always looking at ways to improve Chelsea with
transfers and is adamant new arrivals won't impact the younger players.
Chelsea's January transfer ban was lifted last week, meaning they are now
free to sign players having been restricted in the summer upon Lampard's
arrival as manager.
He has so far performed well without spending - Chelsea sit fourth in the
Premier League and qualified for the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 win
over Lille on Tuesday - but Lampard says he is always keen to improve.
"I would always look at all areas for the team," Lampard said. "In the
summer we lost Eden Hazard, who was a huge part of scoring and creating our
goals last season - and the season before that, to be fair. I think we've
found ways in the team where we can still be competitive.
"We're showing that in the league and in the Champions League. But going
forward, can we get even better? Can we get better in forward areas, to help
our competition and to help the idea that we can be more clinical? I think
we will always look at that."
Asked whether spending would hinder his young players, Lampard said: "No, I
don't think it is a concern at all. Because they are here to stay. I believe
in the quality of the young players here.
"I want them all to get better and they will improve, for sure, because of
the age of them and because of where they are in their development.
"But as we move forward and we want to improve the squad, it will be done
with a view to what we have and where we can get better. I think those sort
of challenges should be ones that the young players stand up to.
"If we do bring players in, that should be one where they say: 'Okay, I want
to show the player I am.' Knowing them as players and personalities, I think
they have all got that."
Chelsea squeezed through to the last-16 having dominated the majority of the
game against Lille, and Lampard admits his side need to be more clinical in
front of goal.
"We need to take more of our chances. That's a fact. Because you leave teams
slightly in the game. They probably had two shots at the back-end of the
game and one goes in.
"So that was a frustrating thing in a very good performance. I can never
doubt that the lads have given everything, but the reality is we need to be
better in their box. We need to take more of our chances - whether it's the
Premier League or the Champions League."
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