Lamprd With injuries his squad, and the Blues playing football until early August, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard had bemoaned the league’s decision to resume the Premier League on September 12.
Only Manchester United and Manchester City were given one extra week of rest due to their latter involvement in Europe, and they reached the semi-final and quarter-final of the Europa League and Champions League, respectively.
Thankfully, Chelsea would also have a bit of rest, as the Blues would resume two days later on September 12, with a Monday night Premier League kick off against Brighton.
Speaking before the fixture list was drawn, Lampard said: “The 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again.
“The players need a break. That is why we have pulled two hamstrings [Cesar Azpilicueta and Christian Pulisic] and had players pull out of the game before this.
“I would like to think the Premier League would look seriously at that and hopefully give us a fair start next season. We deserve to be, as a Premier League club competing in the Champions League.”
However, in another interview, the Chelsea manager went on to admit that his side would be ready.
He later said: “We will be ready to go come September 12 or whenever they give us our first league date… It has been the longest season ever, so it is important they have a break and we will be firing.”
Lampard might have to start the season without Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Billy Gilmour. Hopefully, the Chelsea squad won’t be hit with fresh injuries as the new season kicks off.