Frank Lampard explains why he hasn’t been starting Joao Felix for Chelsea

Photo: Getty images

Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard has explained why he hasn’t been starting Joao Felix.

“There’s no doubt he has huge talent,” Frank Lampard said about Joao Felix.

“That is really visible in training daily in those moments showing what he can do around the box.

“I think probably for me coming in I need to find a clear structure and a clear off-the-ball idea for how we work, and that’s the challenge with Joao.

“I agree, and if you ask him also he’s not definite – he wants to play here but he can also play here – which can be a plus at times but when he’s not definitely a nine, I need what looks like nine, for me, for the way I want to play. Those are the things that Joao needs to show, whether it’s here or wherever his future is, I don’t know that.

“As managers you rely on things you’re gonna get from players, that huge talent is something maybe we did have or didn’t have in different degrees, but he also has to have the work ethic, the team nature about him.

“I’m not saying he doesn’t have that because he’s played with Simeone – a coach that demands collectiveness – but at the same time finding his way here he has to understand in the short-term what I want, then he can show his talent once he does the other stuff.”

The Portuguese forward remained on the bench for the whole game in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal.