Frank
Lampard insists he does not listen to the speculation over his future, but
admits he is aware of the pressure that comes with being Chelsea head coach.
Lampard's position has come under mounting scrutiny after Chelsea's 2-0
defeat at top-four rivals Leicester on Tuesday, a result which leaves them
eighth in the Premier League.
The Blues have won just three of their last 10 matches in all competitions,
leading to reports the club could be interested in RB Leipzig's Julian
Nagelsmann should Lampard's position become untenable.
Out-of-work managers Massimiliano Allegri and Thomas Tuchel are understood
to be interested in the Chelsea job if it becomes available, but when asked
about the speculation ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Luton, Lampard
said: "I don't listen to it.
"There's something everywhere if you want to scroll through social media. I
don't do that.
"I'm not stupid, I know the pressures that come with managing a top football
club but I only do my job. It doesn't matter to me."
Lampard knows the risks that come with being Chelsea boss more than most,
having seen eight permanent managers leave the club during his hugely
successful playing career at Stamford Bridge, but says that does not come
into his current thinking.
"Absolutely not because my career here was fantastic and it's set in stone,"
he said. "When I say fantastic, I'm not giving it the big I am, I'm talking
about the success that I was proud to be part of.
"The link I have here with the fans and the support I get from them is
amazing. I knew when I came into the job as a manager that can change -
there are things that you can't control.
"You do your best and I'll continue to do that while I'm managing the club.
It doesn't change how I feel - wherever I work, I'll give my all."
'Tomori will be a top player'
Fikayo Tomori is set to become the third player, after Danny Drinkwater and
Lucas Piazon, to leave Chelsea this month, but Lampard offered a ringing
endorsement of the defender ahead of his move to AC Milan.
The 23-year-old is set to join the Italian club on loan after playing just
four times for the Blues this season.
Milan will have the option to buy Tomori for around £25m, but even though he
may not return to Chelsea, Lampard believes the England international can
become a "top player".
"I have five centre-backs," he said. "I can't do this job and expect to
appease every fan - that's football.
"When we're on a long unbeaten run, nobody questions it - maybe they do when
you're not playing so well. But I have to pick two out of the five.
"Fikayo's a developing player, a very, very good player. I've seen him rise
from arriving at Derby to becoming one of the best defenders in the
Championship, then an England international and a Chelsea regular.
"So I think his journey's been great and whatever his next step is, he's
going to be a top player."
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