“These two are hopeless”– Former Chelsea star goes in on Lampard’s defensive issues.
Chelsea were certainly a much improved defensive outfit against Sevilla last night as they managed a goalless draw in the Champions League.
It is a good start to addressing their biggest problem of the last two seasons, but the jury will certainly remain out for most people until they see a sustained improvement over a course of time.
Conceding three goals to Southampton at the weekend is fresh in the minds of Chelsea fans, and former players it seems. Alan Hudson spent 5 years playing at Chelsea in the 70s, and he is still following the club closely.
He was unhappy with the display against Southampton on Saturday, and he certainly hasn’t held back in his assessment of the defensive issues.
Firstly, he says “these two are hopeless”, talking about Cesar Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma. But he also believes the issues are with how Lampard sets up his midfield and backline, suggesting there are systematic problems as well.
Speaking to Caught Offside, Hudson said: “There are too many negatives for Frank who can’t see that Azpilicueta and Zouma are not good enough.
“The other teams are improving on the attacking front and these two are hopeless. Frank should’ve played young Reece James no matter that he played for England.
“He has big issues if he can’t see what I can see. “You shouldn’t have to rely on your goalkeeper if you set up your midfield and back four well enough.
“Frank can’t do that. It’s too easy to blame the keeper. “Frank seems to have clouded judgement about his young starlets, as I don’t think they’re everything he thinks they are. He has a lot of problems and hasn’t addressed his defenders at all.”