Chelsea news: Jamie Carragher believes Frank Lampard must tone down style after Blues’ winless start

Chelsea blew a 1-0 lead against Leicester on Sunday with their new boss now three games without a win since taking over

Jack Rathborn
Monday 19 August 2019 19:37 BST
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Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea need to tone down their new approach under Frank Lampard as their matches are currently resembling “basketball”.

The Blues are winless in their first three games under their new manager and blew a 1-0 lead in an open game against Leicester on Sunday, eventually drawing 1-1.

Lampard has instilled more intensity to their style compared to Maurizio Sarri last season, pressing hard from the front, but Carragher believes they must reign it in to deny opponents so much space to expose.

“It’s like watching a basketball game,” Carragher remarked on Sky Sports. “The idea of Frank is spot on, it’s the way top sides, top managers want to play.

“People talk about them being naive and getting caught on the counter-attack, they’ve got no organisation.

“Frank wants his full-backs to go forward. (Cesar) Azpilicueta, to pick on one, he doesn’t have to go every time. They keep getting counter-attacked every time, they’re not organised in attack.

“I don’t think they have to take it to the letter of the law, exactly what the manager says. Use your brain, drop in. There are massive holes in the middle of the pitch.

Lampard applauds the Chelsea fans
Lampard applauds the Chelsea fans (EPA)

“It’s too easy to get out (for Leicester), which is why it’s like a basketball game. They probably should have lost the game really.”

Chelsea next face Norwich on Saturday, with the Canaries on a high after beating Newcastle for their first victory since promotion.

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