https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/07/14/lampard-expects-a-reaction
Frank Lampard on Billy Gilmour's surgery and expecting a reaction
14 Jul 2020
Frank Lampard has given an update on Billy Gilmour's injury and explained
why he needs to see a big reaction and big personality from his players
against Norwich.
https://i.imgur.com/cXi4L9Y.jpg
Midfielder Gilmour required surgery after damaging the meniscus in his
knee during our 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Lampard has confirmed the
operation went well and he has no concerns about the teenager's ability to
recover quickly and fully.
'With Billy it did go well,' said Lampard. 'He was in at the training
ground on Sunday on his crutches. So it went as well as it possibly could
and now he's going to keep his feet up. His mum's coming down to help him,
probably cook and clean and all those things. I'm sure his mum and dad will
be there to do that. Like I said when he got injured, I'm confident with
Billy he'll do everything right and let's hope that he comes back as soon
as possible.'
https://i.imgur.com/j8hfwgS.jpg
Gilmour's impressive first season in senior football was ended early by
injury in our win at Selhurst Park
Our head coach was also discussing our next match against Norwich City at
Stamford Bridge and the need for his team to put in a strong performance
after the disappointment of defeat to Sheffield United over the weekend.
'I do expect a reaction. I always felt that with the squad that we have,
with the players that were on loan and are young, that there would be
tough times this season. It's important not to wallow in the pit of “Oh
my God, we lost 3-0 to Sheffield United”. The important thing now is how
we react and I expect that from the players tonight.
'We have big personalities, there'll be big personalities in the team
tonight. They need to stand up, they need to show the quality that they've
shown for big parts of the season. I trust that they will do and because
we're at the business end it's very important that they do.'
As well as the big personalities in the squad, Lampard explained just how
important it is for every player to step up and make their presence known
on the pitch by being verbal and showing their determination to help the
team win.
'It's huge,' he added. 'It cannot be overstated how big mentality is, how
big attitude is. When you talk about players in your team it's very easy
and very natural to look at talent, but you've also got to look at
character and attitude within the group, and I think it's something we can
improve.
'The younger players can be more vocal, can grow as they go along. The
older players can take on more responsibility of helping that as well.
We're in a good place, but it certainly can improve. Through moments like
this and at a critical time like this, where there's a lot on the line,
it's time for people to make that improvement.
https://i.imgur.com/lCjpMhD.jpg
'I think it's one of the easiest things to do on the pitch, to help your
team-mate, to help yourself, to help the group by being vocal and driving
people along, giving them information, talking, and we don't have enough
of it. We have to get better at it and that's what I drill into the
players.
'I remember being taught as a young boy playing, about communicating with
your team-mate and demanding the ball, supporting others. You can be as
quiet as you want off the pitch, and we have some quiet players here who
keep themselves to themselves, but they must come out of that on the
pitch.
'They must demand the ball on the pitch or the game can pass you by. They
must have the character and spirit to be able to talk to the people around
them. But sometimes it's not that easy when players are generally quiet.
It's something we need to keep improving on.'