Williams Gallas says one Chelsea player is under 'big pressure' now and needs to learn from Frank Lampard
William Gallas believes Romelu Lukaku could benefit from emulating Frank Lampard’s work ethic in training.
Speaking to the Sun, Gallas revealed the extent Lampard went to improve his skill set behind the scenes at Cobham.
Lampard put in the extra hours
The former Chelsea manager didn’t become an all-time Premier League great by chance.
He constantly worked on areas of his game that needed improving.
Perhaps not the most technically gifted professional in the world, the current Everton coach made sure he was better than his opponents and teammates in other aspects.
Shooting, scoring, running into the box; strengths that grew in stature over time.
It is an example to upcoming sportsmen and women, or those already heavily embedded in the sport, that natural talent can only get you so far.
“(If he had a bad game) I remember Frank at the end of training always did more,” explained Gallas, a two-time Premier League winner with the Blues.
“Not just to score goals but to be fitter. To run more on the pitch.
“At training after one game, Frank wanted to work more and Jose (Mourinho) had to ask him to stop.
“Asked him to calm down to save his energy.
“But Frank wanted to do it to be fit and strong for the next game. Ready to attack and defend.”
Lukaku has some notes to take
This is a lesson that Lukaku could certainly learn from.
One he probably witnessed first hand, when the centre-forward shared a dressing room briefly with Lampard between 2011 and 2013.
The Belgian has not exactly enjoyed a wonderous return to Chelsea, following his club-record move from Inter Milan last summer.
Nine goals are all the striker can show for his second coming at Stamford Bridge.
That, and a string of poor performances, plus a major falling out with the supporters and possibly some of the squad members.
Something is missing for the 28-year-old, and not just his scoring boots.
It remains up for debate if he isn’t right for Chelsea, or Chelsea isn’t right for him.
Until a permanent solution becomes apparent, all Lukaku can do now is to refine his qualities and become a better player.
“When a striker doesn’t score goals – and I know it can be difficult for them because the pressure is higher – you just have to work and work and it will come,” continued Gallas.
“Unfortunately, he has put himself under big pressure after he talked with the media.
“That means he has to have big shoulders and answer it on the pitch, it’s a simple answer.
“If you are a striker at Chelsea, you have to score goals.”
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