Football

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard lifts lid on Christian Pulisic snubs after hat-trick at Burnley


Chelsea boss Frank Lampard insisted his treatment of Christian Pulisic was doled out with the winger’s interests in mind.

Pulisic has been made to wait for opportunities to shine since finally joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund over the summer.

He grabbed his chance with both hands on Saturday as he made his first start since August’s 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.

The American winger scored a perfect hat-trick – bagging with both feet before heading in his third – as Chelsea won 4-2.

Frank Lampard opened up on why he previously snubbed Pulisic and admitted he was “delighted” after the 21-year-old made his mark at Turf Moor.

“[Pulisic] had a week’s break this summer,” Lampard told Sky Sports. “He arrived for a big price and wanted to come straight back in but at the same time why am I going to throw him in?

“So I have to do it in the right way and get the best out of him. I’m delighted for him.”

Pulisic replaced Callum Hudson-Odoi in the only change from the Chelsea team which beat Ajax 1-0 on Wednesday night.

Lampard believed he was right not to rotate his team too much, despite a Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United being next up.

“It’s a balance, I always think one, two or three games ahead,” Lampard said.

“But there’s an argument that we are doing okay, they are hungry, and I felt one change was enough today.

“It’s important we keep our feet on the ground. We played well but we can play better.”

Chelsea’s upcoming showdown with United at Stamford Bridge comes just months after the Red Devils beat them 4-0 at Old Trafford.

Lampard will be eager to get one over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side with the Carabao Cup presenting a great opportunity to get his hands on some silverware.



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