Willian praises Frank Lampard for Chelsea impact despite feeling “a bit weird” playing under him

Chelsea midfielder Willian admits it is ‘a bit weird’ to be playing under the guidance of former teammate Frank Lampard but has praised his impact on the team.

Lampard has had a mixed start to life in the Stamford Bridge dugout but Willian has admitted he has more confidence under the former England midfielder.

Lampard’s positive impact at Chelsea: Five things to know…

• Frank Lampard took over after a disappointing campaign under Maurizio Sarri.
• The club are under a transfer embargo meaning Lampard could not sign any new players.
• The Blues have only lost twice in the Premier League this season.
• Willian has revealed Lampard is giving him confidence to play better.
• The Brazilian has also admitted Lampard’s tactical flexibility suits his game.

Chelsea have suffered just two league defeats since Lampard took charge. An opening day loss to Manchester United and a close fought 2-1 defeat to league leaders Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Despite a transfer embargo being in place, Chelsea have produced some excellent displays this season including an impressive 5-2 victory against the much-fancied Wolves at Molineux.

Willian believes Lampard has done well to get the best out of his players even if it feels a bit strange playing under his former teammate.

“He was an intelligent player, one of the best in his position,” Willian told the club’s website. “A quality player. When you see players like him you can say maybe in the future he can become a manager, and he’s here with us!

“It’s a bit weird he is my boss now, but I am very happy to work with him again. He has given me the confidence to play. He wants me to be happy. A part of the performances I have had in the past couple of games I have to dedicate to him.

“He always says to me ‘I want you to be happy’. That’s why I have been playing like I have been.”

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The Brazilian star also revealed the flexibility Lampard has given him has helped his game by giving him the ability to drift from the right-hand side to exploit the space between midfield and defence.

“I think our style of play has helped me, but not only that,” he said. “The freedom he gives to us is important as well. I don’t have to stay on the right side. I can move around, I can move between the lines, I can move to the left side as well.”

Chelsea currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, just two points behind second-placed Manchester City. Lampard’s side face Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as the top flight restarts following the international break.