Chelsea
winger Willian has urged the Chelsea board to be more “like Manchester City
and Liverpool” and have patience with Frank Lampard.
The Brazilian has now worked under four different permanent managers since
his move to Stamford Bridge in 2013, plus interim boss Guus Hiddink, who was
in place for six months during the 2015/16 season.
But Willian has now called for the Chelsea board to give Lampard time at the
club, just like last season's Premier League champions and runners-up have
done with Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
"Lampard was one of the best players at Chelsea and one of the best players
in Europe," he said.
"The fans love him and he knows the club very well. I think now it's time to
give more time to him. I've been at Chelsea six years and I've had five
different managers already!
"Maybe now it's time to give more time like Man City do, like Liverpool do,
three or four years. That could be very important."
Lampard, who played 429 times for the club, has had a mixed start to his
career as Blues manager, winning two, drawing two and losing one of his
opening five league matches.
The 41-year-old picked up his second victory as Chelsea boss on Saturday,
beating Wolves 5-2 thanks to a Tammy Abraham hat-trick.
Willian played the full 90 minutes at Molineux and, despite a bid from
Spanish champions Barcelona in the summer, he says he would like to extend
his contract with the club beyond the summer.
He said: "From my side, I want to stay here. I know I only have one year
left but I feel good playing for Chelsea.
"I like playing for Chelsea. I have the affection with everybody, the fans,
the people that work at the club.
"Maybe this will be at the end of the season. Now is not the time to think
about it. I just want to play my football and to help the team this season."
Willian was talking at his launch of an online course aimed at helping those
who aspire to be professional athletes. The course is based on experiences
during his career and advises young people what it takes to reach the
highest level.
The different modules of the online course will include lessons on themes
which are essential elements of the career of a professional football
player.
top