Lampard not banning ketchup but demands to see fruits of Chelsea players´ labour

Frank Lampard has demanded Chelsea players work hard and live healthily following his appointment as head coach, though he will not be imposing a ban on tomato ketchup.

After weeks of speculation, Chelsea finally announced the appointment of Lampard on Thursday, signing a three-year deal as Maurizio Sarri’s successor.

Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea as a player and is their record goal-scorer, making him a true Blues icon.

He returns to Stamford Bridge despite having only one season in management, as he guided Derby County to the Championship play-off final last term.

He has spent long enough at the top of football to understand what is expected of players, and although he will not be taking such a hard-line approach that sees him ban tomato sauce, he will see red if members of his squad challenge his methods.

“What we did at Derby, and I will bring here, is that I will have a respect for the players and they should behave like professionals,” he told reporters.

Look at these two! #WelcomeHomeFrank pic.twitter.com/jA4JwCL20O

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2019

“We will lay out everything, and the sports science, nutrition, medical, everything like that is spot on here, I know that from being here.

“So, there are no excuses. To get a top performance, the players have to live right. They have to train hard and rest well, and if they don’t it becomes evident.

“I’m a manager who has faith to a point, but if I see it’s not being done…

“It’s not about ketchup. I’m not banning tomato ketchup. They go home and they can have a whole tub of it, I’ll never know that.

“But if I see it [slack performances as a result of an unhealthy diet] showing on the training pitch, I would be strong on that because I think it’s important.

“When you’re dealing with small differences at the top of the league – and last year there was a gap to the top boys – then you have to try and bridge the gap.”