Lampard: Top Four Fight Going Down To The Wire
Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard has admitted the Premier League top four finish will not be decided until the end of the season.
Lampard’s men are currently fourth with 44 points on the league log, three points above fifth-placed Manchester United and four points above Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United, who sit sixth and seventh respectively.
Ahead of the West Londoners’ trip to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, Lampard believes the teams around Chelsea on the Premier League table should not be written off as they all have a chance of securing Champions League qualification.
"When you look around, the form of United, who spent well and it's similar with Tottenham and can’t write off Arsenal,” the former Derby County manager said.
“Wolves and Sheffield United you have to respect them, they are good teams. We have a fight on. Anyone who is in range has a chance of finishing in the top four.”
Chelsea’s record signee Kepa Arrizabalaga has lost his place in the Chelsea team to Willy Caballero, and has not featured for the Blues since a 2-2 draw against Arsenal last month.
Lampard has dismissed reports of a rift between himself and the Spain shot-stopper, but insists he cannot keep every player happy.
"My relationship is fine," the 41-year-old added.
"I can’t keep every player happy. But the professionalism is there from him. Every player is in control of their own decision. Willy Caballero is training well and performing well. I will decide as we go."
