Frank
Lampard never expected this season to be "plain sailing" but insists his
new-look Chelsea squad must stay mentally strong during a "difficult little
period".
Chelsea's 3-1 loss at Arsenal on Boxing Day was their third consecutive away
defeat in the Premier League this season.
Lampard's side were unbeaten in their first five away league games this
term, keeping three clean sheets, but their recent poor form on the road
continued against a Gunners team who went into the match in 15th place and
without a Premier League win since November 1.
Chelsea spent over £200m in the summer transfer window on new signings and
despite putting together a nine-match unbeaten streak before losing to
Everton earlier this month, Lampard insists it was always going to take time
for his squad to gel properly.
Asked whether he learns more about his players now during a difficult run,
Lampard said: "I think you certainly do. I learn about the players and the
players learn about themselves. Some of them are young, some of them are new
to the Premier League and these tough times are things we will have to go
through.
"I didn't think this season was ever going to be plain sailing and winning
every week. We got confident when we got into a position where we were not
losing games and winning a lot of games, and things are pretty easy at that
point.
"When you lose a couple of games they become much tougher and the only way
out of it is to fight and to work hard, so that's what I will be instilling
in the players because it's the only way you get out of what is a difficult
little period for us.
Frank Lampard believes the Premier League title race will be a lot tighter
this season0:49
"It's a case of staying mentally strong and bringing back the good basics to
get you on that run, because we have a talented squad.
"The few defeats we've had recently are because we dropped off, the players
have dropped off a level and my job is to pick it back up."
Lampard not surprised by Villa form
Chelsea return to Stamford Bridge on Monday to face an in-form Aston Villa
who are unbeaten in four Premier League matches.
Dean Smith's side have kept clean sheets in all of those games, and Lampard
believes his former Chelsea team-mate John Terry is a reason for Villa's
improving defensive displays.
"I'm sure John has an influence because in my opinion he's one of the
greatest centre-backs to have played in the Premier League and for England,"
Lampard said.
"He has an absolute wealth of knowledge of the game so he will be invaluable
to Dean Smith and all the staff. Obviously the team are working hard and
you've seen a real big uplift in them, and I'm sure there's a lot of work
behind the scenes through John and all the staff there.
"They're a good team with very good individual players. They've obviously
added to their squad in a very good way in the off-season. Good manager,
good coaches, good players that are playing well.
"They're having a really good time at the moment, so I'm not completely
surprised by it and it's obviously going to be a tough match."
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