Frank Lampard urges Chelsea stars to ‘grow as leaders’ ahead of Manchester United trip

Frank Lampard has challenged Chelsea‘s dressing room to ‘grow as leaders’ ahead of a weekend trip to Manchester United. 

Lampard has recruited a number of young players over the summer and while 36-year-old defender Thiago Silva is a ready-made leader for the Blues – even though he is still learning basic English – the Chelsea boss is hopeful more of the squad can show their growing confidence and step up.

‘I want them to grow as leaders in the group,’ Lampard said.  

Chelsea’s players have been encouraged to ‘show their personality’ by boss Frank Lampard

The Chelsea manager is determined to see players in the group grow into squad leaders

‘There are tough times and you want them to push each other. You need to have character. Hakim (Ziyech) has a confidence about him. 

‘I encourage personality within the group.’

Chelsea head north to Old Trafford sat eighth in the table following two wins, two draws and a defeat, at the hands of champions Liverpool, in the opening five games. United, meanwhile, are slumped down in 15th with just six points. 

Summer arrival Hakim Ziyech has ‘a confidence about him’ and was picked out by Lampard

But Lampard is refusing to take United lightly in what he reminded his players is a ‘big game’. 

‘It certainly does feel like a big game,’ Lampard said. ‘They are a quality team, they went to Paris and got a fantastic result. 

‘It’s an opportunity to get some hard-earned points. It’s too early to assume anything. It’s early. 

‘The games of teams around you will always be big. There are games where you have to grind out.’ 

Chelsea travel to face a Manchester United side buoyed by victory over Paris Saint-Germain