Jorginho: Chelsea can close the gap on Liverpool & Man City

Jorginho insists Chelsea can improve on last season despite the club’s transfer ban and the absence of Eden Hazard.

The Blues finished third in the Premier League and won the Europa League last term but have since changed managers and lost their most influential player.

Chelsea’s 2018/19 season: Five key things to remember…

• Chelsea qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League.
• Sarri led his side to the EFL Cup final but lost to Manchester City as Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to be substituted.
• The Italian coach found himself under pressure after a string of poor results midway through the season.
• But Chelsea ended up winning the Europa League, which was Sarri’s first trophy as a manager.
• He eventually returned to Italy as Chelsea sold Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.

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Maurizio Sarri, who brought Jorginho with him to Chelsea, decided to return to Italy with Serie A champions Juventus, while Eden Hazard completed his long-awaited move to Real Madrid.

Frank Lampard has since returned to the club as manager, and Jorginho believes the former Chelsea midfielder can help the team improve on last season’s achievements.

“Of course we believe we can always improve because the moment that you think you cannot improve anymore you go backwards,” said the Brazilian. “We have to open our minds and believe we can be better and be on the rise.

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“Certainly, I will do what I have always done and give my maximum performance. Fans can expect the same from me – hard work and a lot of work on the pitch to try to bring trophies and silverware that this club deserves.”

Asked about Lampard’s impact so far, Jorginho added: “His career speaks for itself. Everyone can see what Lampard did as a player, not just for this club but for football in general. I watched him when I was growing up and it’s great to have him here now as a coach. I believe he still has a lot to give to this club as a coach, as he did as a player.

“Of course, we talk about positions and ask questions like all other players, if they have any doubts they ask the coach and I ask about positions and various other aspects of the game which are important to know.

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“I need to understand what he wants from me. So, I also ask to develop my game. The more questions I ask takes any doubt away and we can play the way he wants to play. Then we can give to the team just how he wants us to deliver.”

Chelsea beat RB Salzburg 5-3 in a friendly on Wednesday, with new signing Christian Pulisic getting off the mark with a brace and Pedro scoring a stunning improvised effort.

Lampard’s side face Manchester United at Old Trafford in their first Premier League game of the season next weekend.