Defiant Frank to stand by youngsters

FRANK LAMPARD has launched a staunch defence of his Chelsea youth policy following Sunday’s brutal loss to Manchester United, when he included Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham in the starting team. Mount, Abraham and centre back Andreas Christensen were criticised by ex-Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in the aftermath of the 4-0 loss at Old Trafford. But in Istanbul ahead of tonight’s UEFA Super Cup against Liverpool, Lampard defiantly stood by his kids. ‘With regards to picking inexperienced or experienced teams, I completely pick the best team I see to win the game, regardless of age,’ said Lampard. ‘I think it’s very important to have a competitive team. Yes, if young players are showing what they can do in training and deserve their chance — for example, Mason Mount deserves his chance completely on merit. I will have no fears to play young players because it’s important for a club like Chelsea that we do that.’ Lampard has the chance to win his first trophy as a manager if he leads Chelsea to victory tonight. ‘This week is a good example of the manager’s roller-coaster — but I had a year at Derby last season where I had similar roller-coasters. I think that comes with all managers’ jobs, particularly at clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City — all the bigger teams. ‘It has been a week where a lot has happened but I was ready for that and I certainly don’t fear that. ‘There are challenges every day in this job, from small decisions at the training ground to a bigger decision about a player after a result. I’m prepared for that and let’s see what the roller-coaster brings.’ Lampard is sweating on the fitness of N’Golo Kante after the midfielder suffered a fresh injury when coming on as a secondhalf substitute on Sunday. Liverpool, meanwhile, were dealt their own injury blow when Naby Keita limped out of last night’s training session, making him a doubt for the final.