Frank Lampard Pre-Match Press Conference | Manchester City vs Coventry City | Premier League

Morning, Brian. Morning. Well, the transfer window is officially closed. It was fairly quiet here on Tuesday, deadline day. Were you happy? Were you satisfied with everything that was completed before the deadline? Yes, I'm satisfied with the players we brought in. We had a lot of work to do during the summer. I think it's quite normal for teams that get promoted, and we've done the work. So, yeah, it's great from my perspective now that the window is done and we can focus on the squad. Were there any other deals you wanted to close, or any specific areas you aimed to focus on? No, we're right where we are. And just a general question about the financial landscape. I think £3 billion was spent across all Premier League clubs. On the day, £500 million. I'm sure you've seen how much the game has changed, including the transfer window. What did you think of how much was spent? Well, it's a huge amount. It's the Premier League, right? And it is what it is. It shows you how difficult it is, because teams are clearly strengthening their squads window after window after window. This is our first glimpse into the Premier League. So it shows you the scale of the task. But let's just focus on us now. And that's the reality of where the Premier League has reached. You said you're pleased now that the window's closed, now that you've got your team together. How important is it, Frank? I think it's 14 games now from now until Christmas. How important is it now that you achieve that cohesion, attain those results, and foster that sense of unity and belonging? Well, that's what we're here for. Of course, it's important. So I think it's clear that when you bring players in, some of ours were towards the end of the window. So we're trying not only to get them into the squad and help them adapt to the way we play, but also individual cases of fitness to get players fit. Because unfortunately, when players are sometimes in a transfer window of speculation, They might not be playing games during the pre-season. They may not be training at a certain level. So there are some players we need to bring up to speed. And so we need to work on everything to try and get there quickly, because of course, we want results. A disappointing result against Hull. In terms of watching that game back and reflecting this week, how have the preparations and health training been? Yeah, it's disappointing because it's a game we shouldn't have lost. And if we don't win it, I think we didn't create many chances. I think, to be fair to them, Hull came up with an idea aimed at undermining much of what we try to accomplish here. That's on us to try and break that down. And then you shouldn't have conceded as we did. So interesting to watch that game back as it was, as itself. But obviously Manchester City will look completely different in terms of possession and all those aspects of how the game is going to unfold. So some valuable lessons for us to learn from that game. Not to get too down. It was a game, probably the one this season where expectations were highest for us to win. That won't be the case in many other games and how it is. That felt disappointing afterward, but we have to move past it. Is that something you've had to handle, Frank? Because it is a major event. It was the first home game at CBS in the Premier League in 25 years. But you're also dealing with players who, some of them, were very accustomed to winning last season. So is that something you've had to manage a bit? I think we all knew it wouldn't look like last season. The sooner we realized that, the better. Because last season was an incredible one for us—we won a lot, and everything became easier in that moment. So it's important that we understand the rigors of the Premier League, how it might feel different. And our mindset must be clear on this in order to be able to rise after a difficult result, in whatever form it may take. Train well throughout the week and prepare for the next one. You're one of three teams that haven't yet scored a league goal. Is that a concern? Is that something you've been working on this week? We are always working on play in general. Of course, you want to score goals. It's simple. We scored a lot of goals last year. But again, it's more difficult to score in the Premier League. But we must believe in ourselves. We must keep working. We always operate in a very similar manner across every aspect of our game. And of course, scoring goals is a big deal. And finally for me, Manchester City this weekend—a return to the Etihad for you. I don't think you've been back there since, was it 2023, when you were at Chelsea in a managerial capacity? How much are you looking forward to being back there? But have you been able to share any of your experiences with the team this week? My experiences are probably different in many ways. I think the thing about the Premier League is that it's different from the Championship. You know every opponent, especially at the top level and the extremely high level of talent they possess. That's pretty clear then. So I don't think I necessarily need my experiences to adapt to what the challenge ahead of us tomorrow will be. Do I have affection for Manchester City as a club? Yes, I had a great year there as a player. It's a fantastic football club. It was on its journey. And since then, I think Pep came in one or two years after I left, and then the rest is history. So they've created this thing there, and you've seen how they built it. So I'm really happy to return to the place where I feel so good. But obviously, the game is the game, and it will be a major challenge for us. but also a great challenge for us to go and see what we can achieve there. You've brought a number of players into the building during the transfer window. I just wonder, now that it's closed, could that possibly bring with it, I guess, a sense of clarity regarding the rebuilding of your Premier League commentary team's identity with the people you know you have to work with? Yeah, yeah, I think so. Throughout the pre-season, the early weeks weren't easy because you're waiting on bringing in players. and there is an element of uncertainty for everyone, whether it be players individually or ourselves as staff working toward where we want to get to. So the fact that the window is closed is good. That's good for the group's sense of clarity about exactly where we stand. The burden now lies with us. It's our responsibility as staff to prepare the team as thoroughly as possible. And it's up to the players as well to compete, whether you've never played in the Premier League before this season or whether you're a newcomer to the team, to compete to prove you deserve to be here Because that competitive togetherness as a group is going to be a major factor for us because of where we've come from and where we're headed So we have to maintain that strength, and I think the closing window helps with that. Certainly. On that subject, I know you've spoken before about how big a leap the step up to the Premier League is. And you said after the entire defeat that it's as much mental as it is physical for your players. You want them to come to terms with it quickly as well. How do you, as their head coach, go about helping them deal with that aspect of the game? and the pressure that this league is bringing? Explain it to them. But if I'm honest, that conversation is pretty quick and can happen quite regularly. But I think when you explain to them that the lads aren't stupid. They understand what the level is. I think that after my explanation, the rest is about actions. How we train every day, how we rise to the challenge, how we comprehend it, We aren't afraid of where we are now because it's normal to feel a bit nervous. that they have to be eliminated fairly quickly because of the competitive level of the Premier League means that you are not allowed to carry those items. So, I've explained that to the players, and I'm always there to try and explain it. But it's more, for me, about actions, day in, day out, how you train, How do you raise your level, and how do you perform on match day? You're talking about calming nerves, Man City are next up this weekend. How do your players strike the balance between playing with freedom and bravery? while also, I suppose, recognizing and containing the threat that City will undoubtedly be posing? Well, it's a pure reality of football. You have to play with reality and freedom, but concentration. because the games at this level will determine the outcomes of games. Individual moments of brilliance can decide the outcome of games for either team. And we know they have considerable capacity for that within their team. So, it's no problem to be the underdog. We'll be underdogs many times this year because of what it is. That's not a problem, but you must face it with bravery. You can't confront it with fear, because I think the underdog mentality ends up becoming you. We want to attack the game in our own way, and we must have less fear. Arsenal was a good experience for us, and that's been and gone. So, we take on this challenge, and it's a good challenge; we feel it as such and see it as such. What could a positive result against City do for your team's confidence? in terms of really getting the season off to a strong start? Yeah, it will help, but I also think there's a bigger picture here. So, all we need to do is prepare for the game and show our best selves. And there are countless games after that to keep going with. But yes, it's the game that's in front of us, and of course it will help. But it's obviously going to be tough. You had a significant amount of possession against Hull, but you admitted yourself that you weren't decisive enough with the ball. Based on what you've seen from your first two league matches, What has been the main focus in training this week? In terms of the improvement you're seeking from the players? Well, we quickly shift focus from Hull, reviewing whether it's us, ourselves, or the staff. what that game looked like And if I'm honest, we had some games last year against similar opposition. in a back five trying to negate things that we want to do And we endured that last year. I know them, the Oxford matches, Sheffield Wednesday games where expectations were high here. And we didn't do enough. So we can set that aside for now because a lot of our games have not looked like that this season and focus on what Manchester City is bringing. Once again, we have specifically focused on the threats posed by Manchester City. and also the feelings we have that can cause us problems even at our best. So we just need to be ready to get those bits right tomorrow. And finally, for me, you've started your season with two very different games. against Arsenal and Hull. Is there anything that you have learned from or observed in your team? something you may not have noticed before or didn't expect from them this season? No, there isn't, because I didn't have exact expectations of certain individuals. who have never been exposed to this level. We have to give them the opportunity to rise to the level and see what we can accomplish. So I'm not making any critical judgments about those two games specifically, whether it is individuals or collective. They have been and they have gone, and it's important that we simply say that now. We knew we were in for a tough start. We knew we were facing a tough start, going into Arsenal, then to Manchester City. Probably the two toughest games you're going to play all season. So Hull was disappointing because that's how it felt. But this is the Premier League. No game is easy. So I have no definitive conclusions from it. It's just like, OK, let's move on to the next one. Let's get better every day and believe in the squad because there's a long, long way to go. We've had a great time together as a team and as staff. And now there are new players involved, and we want to keep up that good momentum. Thank you. Good morning, Frank. Good morning. The man in your position brought in Enzo Maresca because he spent time at Chelsea. What have you made of his managerial career and the challenge he's facing? to put his mark on Manchester City after the success of Pep Guardiola? Yeah, yeah, he's had a very, very successful career. I don't know him. Never met him, but obviously followed his career path. And of course, when he goes to Chelsea, I follow it a bit more closely. And yes, nothing but positive things to say about him as a coach. Yes, he's had a very successful career, and he's stepping into a job that's extremely difficult to follow. One of the greatest managers we've ever seen is Pep Guardiola. That's not easy. Absolutely, I see that side of it. But also very solid foundations for him to continue his excellent work for the team and the quality he possesses there. Just a word about the transfer. You managed to get Stefan Thuny in on your final incoming. What qualities is he going to bring to your team this season? A high level of talent. He is versatile enough to play in different areas at the back end of the pitch for us. Really, really good profile. He has been very impressive in his demeanor. and how he's arrived at the training ground this week. What a fine young man. Very confident in a positive way. Very, very nice. And he has blended in very well this week. So yeah, we're really excited to have him. I like young players like that in the squad. because they bring a youthful energy and natural quality from the Manchester City Academy and what he would have been exposed to during his training there and coming through there. So it's really positive for us. And the three who went out, Liam Kitchen, Oli Dovin, and Raphael, What was the reason behind the three of them letting them in on that? Well, Oli Dovin needs to play games. He's fit after 18 months of not playing regularly. So it was absolutely the best thing for him. He's a top-tier goalkeeper. and we noticed that for a brief period last year before his injury. So we're trying to take the right care with Oli. to go and play games and show what he's capable of and then come back to us. With Raphael, Raphael needs games too. And just the absolute best thing for him, I think. and for us as our player to go and play regularly. And with Kitch, slightly different because Kitch has been a huge part of the journey to reach the Premier League. He was an incredible player for us last season. vice-captain of the football club And we simply wish him all the best as he goes to play his games there. He's a player who wants to play regularly. We have a great deal of respect for him as a man and as a player. And in the end, it felt like the best solution for him to go and play. And Sheffield United have acquired a very good player. and a very strong leader and personality and wish him all the best for the time he'll be there. And finally, for me, just team selection. Franck Amieka was not involved, of course, in the last game. How is he again? He is available. He is available for tomorrow. Thank you. Has he been brought in as a center-back or left-back? Or is it merely the beauty of the player? Do you have that versatility so you can handle both jobs? Yeah, that's the beauty of it. If you look at it, we're very happy with Jadon Silva. He started the season really, really well, I think he's played in both games. He's our best player on the pitch against Hull. But we need competition in different areas. And we need coverage and strong competition. And Steph can do both. And he brings a profile of a center-back. that can play in that position, which, as we can see in many modern-day Premier League teams, is something that teams are looking to do. So it feels good for us in that regard. He's just a young boy, isn't he? Just an 18-year-old baby. But presumably he has that much quality. That you're confident he can take a step up to that level? Yeah, well, that's why we've brought him. He had a good loan spell at Watford, It was specifically on our radar during that period as well. Last season. And did well before he got injured and had to return. But, as I said before, I think he's been exposed to a high level. He is held in very high regard at Manchester City. I've spoken to people at Man City before. We've managed to make the move to get the reference on him. as such, as a player and as a young man. Everything is truly positive. So, 18, no problem. If the talent is present, then the players can be ready. A similar question with Sadiqi Sharif. Because he can play both as a winger and a centre-forward. Again, is that person someone who attracted you to him? Are those decisions of yours? Less so with Sidi. We see him as a striker for what he brings and for his attributes. He sees himself that way too. So, we're very happy with Sidi. The problem with Sidi has been getting him match-fit. because over the summer, I've mentioned it before regarding the players there. when a potential move is taking place and you get their work through the summer and you need to work them to get them match-fit Also for what the Premier League means to the players themselves. So, we're in that process with Sidi. Can I ask a question? Is he likely to be available tomorrow? Are you still in that process? We'll see. We'll see tomorrow because we feel he's in a position where he can make an impact. But also to play a full stretch of a Premier League match, It might be too early for him, so we'll see. You said many of the games aren't going to look like Paul, necessarily. I only saw him once for Fenerbahçe at Forest last year. But he's incredibly lively, isn't he? Especially on the counter-attack, running in behind. He'd deal you different damage. You couldn't have that ability to stretch him. and push the defenses a bit deeper because of that. He's a high-potential player, isn't he? Yeah, yeah. And those are the reasons you mention, for the reasons we liked him for his speed in transition and the quality of his movement. I also liked his mindset after talking to him. He's a hungry striker who wants to do well, wants to score goals. It sounds really simple. but the best ones that I've seen and played with have that vibe about them that they want to train with a genuine determination to be goal scorers, to be important players on the team. And yes, he brings those qualities to us, In the Premier League, our games may look different to us. I think he can do both. I think he can be a good player in transition. And he can be a good player around the box. That's what you want from your striker. You've obviously worked with a lot of good strikers. You talk about that. How does that handle itself in the meeting? Is it just a trait they possess? An advantage they have. When you watch their games and you see how much they're trying to break through the back lines, They're not necessarily looking to come to feet all the time. and happy to be involved in the game. Certain players have different attributes to accomplish that. but with Sidi, his attribute is to be able to make use of the best among them to get himself into scoring positions. And I like players who give off that vibe. When you speak to them. They are very hungry. There was something about him and his sense of it. We have a lot of work to do with him. because he is also very young. But he's an exciting acquisition, I think, for us. because of the things we have witnessed Just on that physical aspect of it, you mentioned it there. You watch the Premier League now. It's almost as if it's good to say, it's almost like the NFL, isn't it? The series, the size of these guys. Is the physical challenge as great as it has ever been? that you've learned while playing it And when you're coaching it? It looks like that when you watch it. Yeah, I think it is. I think it's an evolution, whatever you might want to call it. How the Premier League changes. I'm not sure it will come back. I think it will remain this way. I think physically, sometimes when you acquire a Premier League player, You need them to look and feel like a Premier League player. which now the demands are the physical capacity, the output, the strength. We know how important set pieces are. We know how difficult it can be sometimes. that teams are tactically well coached, those moments, speed, power, and such things become even more important whether you're talking about teams that are giving you and negating your space, whether you're talking about man-to-man marking. You must be able to have the capacity individually. to be able to, as a striker, get away from opponents and make things for yourself. Nobody's giving you anything. So I think physical capacity means a lot, along with other attributes, of course. I think if you look at recruitment in teams, I think you can see that it's becoming a major focal point of it. As a football fan, not just as a manager, do you think? Does it make you feel a bit nostalgic when you see that? Players you've played with and against, the Barcelona team you've played against, the team you've played in, having little technical players perform a bit of magic, Do you think that's less of a priority now, and is that a shame? I think you'd be careful not to be too nostalgic. I somewhat agree with what you're saying. I think it's easy to look back on eras and think about how magical they were. But they were, and I understand that. It's simply the pure reality of how the game evolves. I think it has evolved tactically. to the point where the idea of an old-fashioned number 10, who was a free man, that when you came to life between the lines And you've got the ball now, The number 10s are running 10s, and that's exactly what it was. So I understand nostalgia, Perhaps because I was even more a part of that era. I wasn't that kind of player we're talking about. But I understand it. But the game goes on. And still, if I were neutral for five minutes and I look at some of the talent in the Premier League Playing early tomorrow in the Highlands, He's not this nostalgia running through the lines. He's just an absolute machine of an athlete. who scores many goals. So I respect that as well. Just finally from me, when Bramford arrived at Chelsea, £150 million, I think Did you see it going this way? No, I didn't. I remember sitting in the dressing room with John Terry. towards the end of our Chelsea careers wondering whether at that point, not if the bubble were to burst, but if it were to level out. Because even then, it had skyrocketed in our time in playing careers. I didn't see it happen again. I think it's just a reality of the Premier League brand. growing so vastly across the world And what a brand it is for every part of the world nowadays that it has allowed the finances to go this way. So I suppose it doesn't matter whether I saw it or not. That's just how it has turned out. It shows you the challenge ahead for us. The fact that Manchester City have done that in midfield, as you say And that might be three times our budget. So we have to find other ways to try and compete. Frank, you did mention your final season as a player at City. Do you think they're a different club now? keeping in mind who you have been over the years? Are they a completely different club? Well, I think at the root of it, They're the same. because I saw the path they were following because being there a year, I worked closely with Caldoon, Ferran, and Cheeky at the time. were so prominent. They were constantly in your face all day at the training ground. You could see the route it was taking. in terms of style, in terms of the fundamentals behind the club, in terms of their integration into the community. And while it was moving at 100 miles per hour, My feeling was that they were also bringing the club along. and the community with them And I truly enjoyed that part of being there for a year. It opened my eyes to how something is done, which is different from 13 years at Chelsea. So I'm not surprised. I think they've continued to move and recruit. and have great teams and an amazing coach. And yeah, I'm not surprised by what they've done. As a manager of Coventry, how do you view the gap between the spending, when you look at the players, and the money that has been... I know you just referred to it. but from your perspective, at this end of the window, Is there envy? Is there realism? Or is that just how it is? It's realism. It can't be envy because you pack up and leave. Because it's realism. And when they sign top players for large sums of money, You just understand it. But we just need to focus on what we do. The realism is present. We're talking about Manchester City there, but you could also look through the Premier League teams and have had numerous windows in building squads and forming squads. It's realism. We just have to focus on where we are at this point. We're in a good moment as a football club. because we have also moved very quickly And the feeling is very good. We feel like we've had a good opportunity now. We have to go to work. because if it feels like we're a version of an underdog every week, That's not a problem. It's not a bad thing to have. But we have to make the most of every bit that we can. We have to play this season on the limit. We have to train every day at the limit. to show that we can achieve it within our means. Just to find out, that one season, Was that a good way to sign off from the Premier League? I think you scored eight goals that year. It was the runners-up. But were you satisfied with that? Yeah, personally I was because it really doesn't matter now to talk too much about it, But I always thought I'd finish my career at Chelsea. when it became clear that it was not to be and the Manchester City option came on, I think it was turning 36. so 35-36. So the idea of moving to the Champions then was one I was nervous about due to my history with Chelsea, but I was also quite excited about it, I suppose my own ego must have felt good that the Champions wanted me to come, Even at that age. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy from London to Manchester It won't be long until I'm on the train. I did it quite often, but it truly opened my eyes to a new club, sitting in a new changing room, seeing another major club, as Chelsea were at that point How they did it. So I had a great time there. I had a really strong bond, I think, with the fans because they probably thought, It's just Chelsea. You've been there for 13 years. Coming in, what are you going to give? I tried to give everything. Made many friends that I still keep in touch with that I'll be seeing, hopefully, tomorrow. And yes, it was looking back now and your life, It's an experience I'm really pleased with. that I took on for a year.