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Frank Lampard challenges Enzo Fernandez to take on key role at Chelsea.
Interim manager Frank Lampard has called on Enzo Fernandez to be a ‘leader’ for Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
The Blues are in terrible form heading into their match with the European champions, having lost their past four Premier League games, including Lampard’s first game in charge against Wolves at the weekend, which Chelsea defeated 1-0.
Before the match against Real Madrid, Lampard urged the club’s record-signing to be present on Wednesday night to put an end to the rot.
“Chelsea brought in some younger players throughout this season, we had to give them a chance at developing into the leaders we want them to be,” Lampard told the assembled media.
“Enzo is becoming a leader, but he’s 22, I think it’s quite difficult for us to talk about that, he’ll have to find his way. Games like tonight are a great chance to perform and show the personality that makes you a proper leader.
“It’s normal in a season when a club like us falls below the levels we want the character gets questioned. It’s one of the first things probably to get questioned in times of defeat. The only thing the players can do is prove it on the pitch, where people can see it.”
The World Cup winner joined the club on January deadline day for an astounding £106.8 million and has played 12 games to date for the club without registering a goal. Fernandez will be trying to score his first goal for the Blues on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabeu.