Frank Lampard Talks Chelsea FC, Steve Gerrard, MLS
Frank Lampard recently sat down to talk MLS, Steven Gerrard, and of course Chelsea FC
It has been an incredibly frustrating last couple of months for Frank Lampard. After leaving Chelsea FC last summer, he joined New York City FC of the MLS with a view to closing out his career there. Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite gone to plan yet.
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As NYCFC and Manchester City share mutual owners, Lampard was shipped to The Etihad for the beginning for the 2014/15 campaign to maintain match-fitness while the MLS was in off-season. He was kept on for the rest of the campaign and only joined up with his US club in July, with his debut set for July 12th.
However, he has since struggled with injuries which have limited him to just two appearances. He recently sat down for a Q&A with ESPNFC to talk about his time so far in the States.
The major topic of debate was his injury status. Although Lampard revealed that he is still not at full fitness, he is close to getting to where he wants to be.
"I got a couple of muscle injuries. But I’m hopefully at the back end of those, and I feel very fit generally. So it’s just a case of being match fit and I’m very close. I need to be and I want to be."
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This is undoubtedly great news for the New York faithful who have waited so long to see the Englishman in full flow. Having been essentially cheated out of him for the first part of the campaign, they have been further frustrated by injuries. With an important run of games approaching for the new franchise, they need Lamps more than ever.
The midfielder also suggested why he has struggled so much with his health, and in the process vindicated John Terry’s insistence on starting pre-season training earlier.
"I think I basically tried to rush the preseason. I arrived here and tried to be match fit in a couple of weeks. Looking back it was quite tiring and I shouldn’t have pushed it so much."
Lampard was also asked about Chelsea’s dismal performance against Manchester City last weekend, but the Englishman would not waver in his support of the Blues.
"I said at the beginning of the season that they would be the two main challengers and I don’t change from that…Chelsea — who are still adding to their squad — and City have got the strongest squads…Even though Chelsea have had a poor start, it’s only two games in, and they’re certainly going to be fighting right up there."
Evidently this interview took place before news of the Pedro move broke, but Lamps is exactly right. Despite a terrible start to the season, the additions of Abdul Baba Rahman and Pedro over the last week have done much to lift the mood and expectations surrounding Chelsea. In fact, it wouldn’t be that surprising if they run riot over West Brom on Sunday.
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Though did the atmosphere and passion of such a fixture made him miss playing in the Premier League? He’s not too sure.
"It was good to watch, but I’m very happy where I am. I’m happy to be playing here. I’ll always keep in touch and watch a few of the games from [here]."
Speaking of the Premier League, and matters more relevant to the player at the moment, Lampard will square off against an old Premier League rival on Sunday as NYCFC take on Steven Gerrard and the LA Galaxy. Despite the pleasantries, the midfielder ensures that it will be all left on the side once KO comes.
"I’ve played against Steven many a time, and had some great battles over the years…I’m pleased he’s here. It’s a great addition for the MLS because he’s a top-class player…But when we step out to play we’re going to want to win. That’s not changed over the years and that’s not going to change now."
Sunday’s game sees some of the most high-profile Major League Soccer stars collide in what should hopefully be a spectacle that illustrates how far the game has come in the States. David Villa and Andrea Pirlo will line-up alongside Lampard, while Robbie Keane and Giovani Dos Santos will accompany Gerrard on the other side.
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This is a blue-chip clash for the MLS. As a result, the league’s administrators will be looking for the two sides to showcase the improvements in the standard of football that so many people have touted. Lampard, meanwhile, confirms that the MLS is indeed headed in the right direction.
"The MLS is a growing league but is growing very fast…If you were to come here and think the MLS is slower and not as good as the Premier League, you’ll become unstuck pretty quick because the teams here have got great quality and they’re improving all the time."
From what it looks like, Lampard seems to be enjoying his time in the US so far, even though it has been plagued by injuries. Having said that, I don’t think that free time in New York City is exactly a bad thing for a newcomer…
Frank Lampard and NYCFC host the LA Galaxy at 3pm ET on Sunday afternoon. Catch the action on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes in the US. Also be sure to visit our sister site MLS Multiplex for all things MLS, and have a look here to see if your team has a dedicated site.
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