Lampard: This season is forever tainted

FRANK LAMPARD believes the 2020-21 season will be marred by inconsistent scheduling, with the Chelsea boss frustrated by ‘new rules’ which left his side disadvantaged over Christmas. Today’s clash with Fulham was pushed back a day to help Scott Parker’s team cope with a logjam following their Covid outbreak last month. ‘It seems like consistency is going to be difficult and it will definitely put a mark on this season,’ Lampard (right) said. ‘My biggest gripe is that nobody came to help us when we played two games on the 26th and the 28th over Christmas when it clearly could have been moved,’ he added. ‘The schedule couldn’t change over Christmas but it can now because we are fighting against Covid. It’s very clear this is not a normal season. We’re all here to play ball and find the best way through this but all of a sudden these new rules have come in.’ Lampard ‘doesn’t want to cry too much’ but feels the League should have done more to help clubs. Parker was also upset after Fulham’s match with Tottenham was rearranged with little notice. ‘It cannot be that you’re just told,’ Lampard added. ‘I understand Scott’s point about finding out two days before. That, for me, really isn’t good enough.’ Lampard also played down rumours of the return of former Chelsea manager Avram Grant to Stamford Bridge, insisting: ‘I don’t know anything about it. Sometimes a great line of communication to your board or an experienced person can be a great thing.’