Frank Lampard: Enzo Fernandez should forget about Chelsea, sit down and think about what year

Frank Lampard says Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez understands what it means to play for Chelsea. Photo: CameraSport/David Horton

Frank Lampard believes in record Enzo Fernandez, who signed a £106m Premier League contract, should forget about this Chelsea season and put his feet up after an incredible year.

The 22-year-old joined Chelsea in a record-setting British transfer from Benfica in January, just after he won the World Cup with Argentina. The midfielder, however, is one of the many players at Stamford Bridge who have failed to live up to expectations during a dismal campaign set to end with the club's lowest points in the Premier League.

Lampard nonetheless , has no doubts about Fernandez's ability to succeed at Chelsea and be an important part of the club's rebuilding next season, insisting he has the mentality to overcome a difficult start and become a key component of the squad.

«I really believe that Enzo will play a big role in what happens in the future of this club,» said interim manager Lampard. “I have some sympathy for him. He had a massive move to the Premier League. He won the world championship. At the end of this season, he should quite rightly sit back and say, «What a year.»

«But in terms of how it can affect the future, I think it's important for the future.»

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Lampard's appointment was intended to give Chelsea players an understanding of what it means to play for Chelsea and to inspire them to achieve the heights he has achieved as a player. However, after a string of poor results, he chided his players for their lack of fitness, work ethic and ability to do the basics.

“He has a lot of talent. Some players just get it.”

He doesn't put Fernandez, who signed an eight-year contract with Chelsea, in that category, praising his personality. «Enzo understands,» Lampard added. “He gets what he needs in training. He gets what a Chelsea player needs.

“He has great talent. Some players just get it. I keep talking about giving the players time. But when you work with someone, you understand it very quickly and I think he understands it.”

Chelsea's last two matches: away to Manchester United on Thursday night and at home to Newcastle on Sunday could mean the end of many careers in west London. Mason Mount, who has been injured, may say goodbye to Chelsea fans this week after word of United's interest in a summer move.

Lampard isn't surprised rivals are hankering for Mount for just one a year left on his current deal. «I'm not surprised because this is football,» he said. “Does everyone know this? I really like Mason Mount as a guy and as a football player. Yes, sure. Of course they do.

«So I personally wish him all the best and sitting here in a Chelsea shirt, I saw what Mason showed at this club, and then we'll see.»< /p>

Defender Benoit Badiaxile was out for several months with a hamstring injury. «He has a complicated hamstring injury,» said Lampard.