• Premier League

Lampard blasts 'nonsense' Drogba reports

ESPN staff
March 2, 2011
Frank Lampard scored Chelsea's winner against Manchester United on Tuesday © PA Photos
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Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has condemned "nonsense" suggestions that Didier Drogba is sulking after being consigned to the bench following the arrival of Fernando Torres.

The Ivorian striker has been named as a substitute in three of Chelsea's last four matches, and his failure to join the pre-match warm-up against Everton last month prompted speculation he was disgruntled.

But Drogba insists he is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge and, in the wake of the Blues' 2-1 victory over Manchester United, Lampard has hailed the 32-year-old's attitude.

"His reaction to losing his place has been brilliant and it is a load of nonsense when people say he has the hump," he told the Evening Standard. "It has been far from that.

"He has been getting behind the lads, telling us to 'come on'. He has trained with commitment and played with commitment as a substitute. It is nonsense to say he is sulking."

Meanwhile, Lampard his warned his team-mates that the victory over United, which leaves Chelsea 12 points off top spot, must be followed up with a consistent run of performances.

"We need to go on from here," he said. "We normally go on a late run at this time of the season and that is what we hope to do now. If we don't get a result in our next game, against Blackpool, then this will mean nothing.

"We can't get ahead of ourselves. We usually put a run of wins together but we haven't done it so far this season. It is something we need to do now to give us a chance."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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