Rafael Benitez said he opted to leave Frank Lampard out of Chelsea’s starting line-up for the 1-0 win at Norwich because he felt David Luiz and John Obi Mikel could control the midfield.
Luiz has impressed since being switched from centre-back, while Mikel was given the nod at Carrow Road although he was replaced by Lampard in the second half after picking up a knee injury.
Interim manager Benitez explained: “We knew it could be tough so we were trying to manage in the middle with Obi and David.
“They did well. We were not in control at the beginning but we were comfortable.
“After Obi had a knock on his knee we had to change with Lampard with his experience and qualities, so we found the balance.”
Mikel will be assessed ahead of Sunday’s game against Everton, with skipper John Terry expected to remain sidelined with his knee injury.
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This post was last modified on 26/12/2012
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Sincerely speaking lampard is old,it can't handle the midfield role any more,it should give younger player a chance to prove there selve,it should fly is trade in another club,such as L A galaxy
i disaggree with you joseph....lampard was effective in the world club's final...his first half was remarkable but we are having a striker who could not deliver at slite of a chance...Tores actually got some perfect passes from lampard but could not just use it to make a goal...it got to a point lampard was tired and could not repeat tthe first half action.that is where the manager benitez should introduce oscar for lampard,ivanovic for azpi and things would have gone well for chelsea.thank u
Lets forget this guy (lamperd) coz he's not geting any younger lamperd is 34 & we don't need him in that midfield now coz he is too old to handle that place now believe it or not lucas paizon can handle that place better than lamperd.
To much praise for Lampard.
I disagree. Lampard was in the Supercup and World Club's finals, We loose both finals. just because we lost control of the midfield. In both games previous matches Lampard wasn't performing as a regular titular, but the Managers choose him in the idea his experience will win the titles. Big mistake nobody will forget the lack of capacity of those managers. just because of Lampard.
Lampard is an idol everyone likes him, but we had to remember he was also paid a wealthy salary to perform.
Now, He can continue his career for sure with deserved big salaries, but in Clubs which will value his fame and prestige to improve their business. i.e. LA Galaxie. For Chelsea the situation is different, we don't need his fame, we need talented young hungry players, to give them the same opportunities Lampard was given when young. Players like Hazard, Oscar, Azpilcueta, Piazon, De Bruine etc. they who can produce a new style of football which our club deserves. Tku