Chelsea vs Valencia: Fans believe, but Frank Lampard has work to do to restore the glory days at Stamford Bridge

Part of the Lampard narrative is that he is overseeing a young, inexperienced squad that, like their manager, are being educated on the job. The reality is that they are not good enough.

The goodwill towards Frank Lampard cascades from the stands at Stamford Bridge. Even after dispiriting results like last night’s 1-0 defeat by Valencia, Chelsea fans believe. ‘Super Frank’ has always delivered domestic and European glory.

Lampard is in the second season of his management career after cutting his teeth in the Championship with Derby County. He is still learning his trade. The Champions League and the Premier League are harsh teachers. The supporters at the Bridge may have to undergo some difficult lessons over the next few months.

“I think we created enough in the game,” Lampard said after the defeat to the Spanish side. “Not lots of fantastic chances, but good chances.”

Good was probably stretching the point. Valencia – who are going through a period of turmoil themselves – set up for a draw but were ready to exploit any signs of weakness from their opponents. In the 74th minute Chelsea obliged. The home side lined up to deal with a Daniel Parejo free kick but switched off when Rodrigo made a run across the face of the defence. The winger was allowed to enter the box unchallenged and slot the ball into the net.

Part of the Lampard narrative is that he is overseeing a young, inexperienced squad that, like their manager, are being educated on the job. There were enough seasoned veterans in the team against Valencia to guide the youngsters through this sort of Champions League group game. The reality is that they are not good enough.

Where was the leadership? Jorginho provided little. Mateo Kovacic did not impose himself. The full backs, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso appear to have seen better days. Willian is almost dangerous but the Brazilian has never been clinical enough and Pedro was disappointing. Tammy Abraham put in another sterling effort but the striker lacked supply and support. For all their bluster, Chelsea created little in the way of serious opportunities.

Pedro came on for Mason Mount, who was the victim of a brutal late tackle by Francis Coquelin early in the game. Lampard had options on the bench. Christian Pulisic, the £60 million buy from Borussia Dortmund was an obvious choice. The manager decided to turn to Pedro. The American remained on the bench.

Rodrigo scores Valencia's winning goal at Stamford Bridge (EPA)

“He is in the plans,” Lampard said of Pulisic. “We have got the squad and the wingers to choose from. With Pedro’s experience in the Champions League it was a decision to make, but Christian is well in the plans.”

Pulisic was overlooked for the 5-2 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers and left to watch when Chelsea needed some trickery to break down a deep-lying Valencia defence. The 21-year-old was supposed to fill the creative hole left by Eden Hazard but it is hard to imagine Pulisic fulfilling that role.

The winger was signed in the January window but it is doubtful that Lampard would have sanctioned the deal. Although he is the talisman for the United States team, Pulisic is struggling with the pace and physicality of life in England. He stood out in America and did well at Dortmund but there were always questions about whether he had the quality Chelsea require.

Earlier this month Jadon Sancho explained to The Independent his rationale for leaving Manchester City to go to Dortmund. “Christian Pulisic was there,” the England winger said. “He was starting every week. I felt I could compete with him.”

Sancho meant no disrespect. It was simply that he saw an established first-teamer that he believed he could displace. When Lampard was in his pomp at Stamford Bridge, the club signed top-class individuals, players who were at the top of their game and could shrug off the threat of any young upstart who wanted to take their position. When Chelsea sold Hazard and signed Pulisic they traded down. Dortmund traded up when they bought Sancho.

Barkley missed from the spot to cost Chelsea a point (Getty) (Getty Images)

Pulisic needs time. Lampard was probably right when he plumped for Pedro. Either way, the Chelsea manager needs better players if his team are to compete at this level.

Ross Barkley’s late penalty miss overshadowed the side’s structural flaws but the confusion before the spot kick and Willian’s antics will require Lampard’s attention. The 41-year-old insisted that there was a defined hierarchy in these situations but there was confusion – and rancour – on the pitch. It could not have helped Barkley’s state of mind at a vital moment.

Lampard will take stock before the Premier League matchup with Liverpool at the Bridge on Sunday. The 3-4-3 formation deployed against Wolves and Valencia would be a dangerous system to utilise against Jurgen Klopp’s side, even if N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger are available.

Chelsea suffered from mental mistakes and lack of quality against Valencia. Clever, organised opposition will make them look vulnerable. It will not be easy for Lampard to restore the glory days.