I’m proud of the way we’ve handled the crisis, says Lamps

FRANK Lampard is proud of Chelsea’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

While some clubs have been criticised for furloughing staff at the taxpayers’ expense during the suspension of play, Chelsea have made no such move and drew praise for making their Millennium Hotel available to the NHS in the early days of the crisis.

Long before the debate over whether Premier League players should be taking pay cuts, the firstteam squad also made a “sizeable” donation to the club’s foundation in late March, helping to provide support to local hospitals and those affected by the virus.

“I’m very proud to be the manager of this club with the way Chelsea have handled it,” Lampard said on Sky Sports.

“They were very quick to respond with the help of the hotel and there’s a lot more work going on with the foundation, with link-ups and with getting in touch with fans.

“There are a lot of people at Chelsea who have really stood up.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock caused controversy earlier this month when he singled out Premier League footballers in calling for them to sacrifice a portion of their pay to help out, speaking at a time when plans were already being drawn up behind the scenes.

“Football players will try and do the right thing,” Lampard said. “I think they needed some time and the politicians jumped the gun while things were being prepared. It was unfortunate that picture got painted.

“Since then a lot of players have stood up. The situation is not perfect but, knowing players, that’s been a very good reaction.”