“Standards collectively have dropped”- Lampard sounds out major squad issue to Pochettino

Frank Lampard points out the drop in standards at Chelsea to new manager Mauricio Pochettino

Frank Lampard has sent a warning to Mauricio Pochettino that the standards in the locker room have fallen at Chelsea and are not what it once was.

Lampard’s spell as interim-manager ended with a whimper as we finished 12th in the Premier League after the 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United. It brought to an end what has been one of the poorest spells in the Blues’ hot-seat, even if it was only short-term.

The Blues also only managed one victory in 12 games while accumulating 44 league points. In a campaign that lacked vision and intent, there have been few moments to celebrate.

Additionally, a former Blues midfielder has already alerted Pochettino to the task that lies ahead of him at Stamford Bridge. He believes there is much work to be done to transform Chelsea back to a side that challenges for the major honours.

Speaking after the game, (h/t Metro), Lampard gave an insight into how Chelsea’s status has fallen and further said:

‘‘I’m a big fan of Pochettino as a manager; he’s a very good manager, but it’s not about which individual it might be; it’s about getting the right, high-level manager.”

‘’Standards collectively have dropped; I can be honest about that, particularly as it’s the last game; I might not see some of them that much anymore anyway. The standards for a club like Chelsea have to be at their maximum, or you won’t be physically competitive enough. Or you won’t get to play at a high level or at a high speed like the Premier League demands.”

What Lampard has said is the current state of affairs of the club, and it won’t be surprising as there has been a drop in the standards of the players. It was bound to happen as the club has never had a ruthless manager since the sacking of Thomas Tuchel.

Having a manager who has the personality to influence the players with his talks and also change the attitude of players, is what is needed. Graham Potter was not the kind of manager who could be ruthless with players; Bruno Saltor was there for only one game; and Lampard was never a sound tactician.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea beat Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund to sign Kendry Paez
• Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill claims he is still focused on Brighton Hove & Albion
• Mason Mount is preparing a goodbye in Chelsea’s last game this weekend

But what so far Pochettino has done at previous clubs indicates he can be an ideal manager who can lead the club to trophies. The path won’t be easy but Pochettino is as good a manager as any to turn around our fortunes.