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Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard is in a happy mood after his young Chelsea team went to Amsterdam on Wednesday night of the UEFA Champions League and beat Ajax, last season’s champions league semi-finalist.
A tough match, given the quality of Ajax players, and Chelsea’s young team due to FIFA’s transfer ban imposed on the club.
Chelsea set out to Amsterdam knowing that a draw against Ajax would be seen as a very good result but Lampard who is overseeing an influx of youth players and academy products into the Chelsea first team has revealed his delight at the win after Chelsea’s Batshuayi netted the winner in the dying minutes.
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Speaking to BT sport after clinching the unexpected three points, the Chelsea legend said;
“I am delighted with the quality of the moments. The work ethic of the group. It was outstanding throughout From the subs that is what you want. Delighted. It is great for everyone.”
“It feels huge. I think that the work of everyone was outstanding. Kurt Zouma, wow.”
“The performance tonight and the last couple off the bench might show that. I didn’t listen to the outside talk. I understood the quality of Christian, he is just 21. I have options. Christian wants to know what is going on always. I have stayed calm with it. He wants to do well. Training like he has makes me very happy. You have to give Christian huge credit. I have got belief in the players. It is tough to leave people.
“We respected Ajax, that is how we should be. I do focus on ourselves. The great thing at the moment is the desire and I think we are in the right direction. The signs are good. Five wins in a row can be dangerous, six wins could be even more dangerous.I just came to work. I knew there was quality in the squad. But I did believe in them.
Speaking about his young striking sensation, Tammy Abraham, Lampard said;
“What he always gives is everything. I have full confidence in my strikers. He made the difference and I’m delighted for him.”
Chelsea are now level on points with Ajax in the group after three games.
