Lampard dismisses reports of Chelsea exodus

Frank Lampard has dismissed reports that he plans to axe several Chelsea players this summer.

It comes amid speculation over the future of Kepa Arrizabalga after Blues boss Lampard recently dropped the goalkeeper.

Reports this week claimed that Kepa and as many as seven other players might leave at the end of the season.

The Sun suggested that Willian and Pedro, whose contracts are due to expire, could go with Kepa, Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Marcos Alonso, Emerson and Kurt Zouma.

Lampard said: “I’ve read quite a bit of false, nonsense articles this week, with people probably guessing players (who might be leaving).

“Of course there are decisions for the club ongoing in the summer – we have to look at that. But there’s no way I’m jumping into the future now – and a lot of those reports were wrong.”

Kepa has been left out for Chelsea’s past five matches, with Lampard having been critical of him following a number of errors by the Spaniard this season.

But Lampard remains adamant that there has been no rift behind the scenes.

He said: “The relationship’s fine between player and manager. I have 20 or so players to keep happy and can’t keep them all happy at the same time.

“All I expect is their professionalism in training, which Kepa’s given.

“Every position is the same: you train well to try and get in the team when you’re not in it, and when you play you try to get performance levels that keep you in the team.

“Every player is in control of their own destiny with that to a degree.

“I will decide as we go. That’s why I’m very strong on the fact that how you turn up and train every day is pivotal to whether you pay.”

Meanwhile, Lampard has admitted that Chelsea are unsure how long Tammy Abraham is likely to be out for.

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