Lampard has reason for optimism despite Chelsea loss

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said he was “really happy” with this team’s performance in the Uefa Super Cup after a penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool.

After the scores were level at 2-2 – thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Sadio Mane inside 90 minutes, and Mane again and a Jorginho penalty in extra time – the match between the Uefa Champions League winners and Europa League holders was decided on spot kicks.

Liverpool took a 5-4 lead with neither side missing, until Tammy Abraham saw his effort saved by Adrian to hand the trophy to the Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The defeat for Chelsea comes after their 4-0 drubbing at Manchester United on Sunday in their first game of the new Premier League season, but like at Old Trafford, the Blues controlled large parts of the game, giving Lampard plenty of reason for encouragement.

“I think we can get better, there are things I still want us to improve on in terms of how we play slightly, but I am really happy with the performance,” said Lampard.

“To lose the game was disappointing but if it means Chelsea’s season can be something like how we played today, we’ll be OK.”

Chelsea took the lead in Istanbul through Giroud, but Mane’s equaliser meant the match went to extra time. The Senegal star then put Liverpool in front in the 95th minute, only for a Jorginho penalty to restore parity again.

The decisive moment came after nine successful spotkicks when Abraham’s effort was saved. However, Chelsea were a match for Jurgen Klopp’s team for long spells and Lampard believes they are moving in the right direction.

“You know Liverpool have got to where they have got, and I have complete respect for Jurgen Klopp,” Lampard said.

“I am a new manager who’s been here for six weeks or so, and what I saw today were things that I want in the team.”

Lampard conceded that having two days fewer to prepare had been a factor. Chelsea played at Old Trafford on Sunday, two days after Liverpool beat Norwich City in their Premier League opener.

“To have two more days recovery at this stage early in the season, it’s clear that it affects your preparation and it’s an advantage to them going in,” said Lampard, whose side next host Leicester City on Sunday.

“But that said I think it happens a lot. I don’t want to look like I’m moaning, I’m delighted with our performance, we didn’t lose the game because of that but it was a bit frustrating.”

Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic said he and his teammates would get behind Abraham despite the England Under 21 forward’s penalty shootout miss.

“It’s penalties, man – somebody has to miss,” Pulisic said. “He’s going to get his head up. Obviously it’s tough but penalties are like that. He can deal with it and he’ll be fine.

“He’ll move on, he’ll score a goal in the next game and everything will be forgotten. We’re there for him.

The defeat for Chelsea [in the Super Cup] comes after their 4-0 drubbing at Manchester United on Sunday