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Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard says Mason Mount is a "huge player"
for the club after promising a "clean slate" for the whole squad.
Lampard has been appointed interim boss until the end of the season - just
over two years since the club sacked him.
The 44-year-old previously managed the Blues from July 2019 until January
2021, with Mount playing a key role under him.
But the England international has endured a difficult season amid injuries,
a lack of form and speculation around his future at Stamford Bridge, with
his contract expiring next summer.
The 24-year-old has been an unused substitute in Chelsea's last two games,
but he could be set for a return under Lampard.
"Mason has always been a fantastic player for me at Derby and Chelsea," said
Lampard in his first press conference.
"I know he's had a few slight injury problems. I need to speak to him and
find out where he's at, but I know what I get from Mason. He's a huge player
for Chelsea.
"Modern-day football has big squads and I understand Chelsea might be at the
top end. I remember being here before and having that.
"Maybe in the short term, that's a positive thing for me because everyone
can have a clean slate."
Lampard: Chelsea return an easy decision
Lampard said it was an "easy decision" to return to the club to temporarily
replace Graham Potter, who was sacked on Sunday after just seven months in
charge.
Lampard watched from the stands on Tuesday evening as a Blues side managed
by caretaker boss Bruno Saltor started the post-Potter era with a goalless
draw against Liverpool.
Lampard said: "It's a pretty easy decision for me. This is my club. I have a
lot of emotions and feelings.
"I've come with a belief I can come and help the cause until the end of the
season. I'll give my utmost to give the fans what they want until the end of
the season.
"There's a lot of talent in the squad. I'm excited to work with that talent
and to help them."
Chelsea have nine Premier League games remaining this term, starting with
Saturday's trip to Wolves, which is followed by the first leg of their
Champions League quarter-final tie with European champions Real Madrid.
Lampard added: "Really exciting. I was there on Tuesday, it was the first
time I'd been back since I left previously. It was an amazing buzz to be
back at Stamford Bridge.
"It was a surprise in terms of you never know what decision the club will
make. There's been a lot of change in the Premier League this season.
"It's a big challenge, but aren't they all? I have complete sympathy for all
managers that lose jobs. I'm ready to put my work into this challenge and
take it day by day."
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