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Joe Cole reveals what Frank Lampard has changed at Chelsea after transfer ban
CHELSEA manager Frank Lampard has “galvanised the club” insists former Blues player Joe Cole.
Frank Lampard has ‘galvanised’ Chelsea says Joe Cole
Cole, who is now working as a technical academy coach at Chelsea, is excited about what Lampard is doing since he arrived back to the place where he made his name as a player.
Lampard, who is the club’s record goalscorer, signed a three-year contract to become the new Chelsea manager after Maurizio Sarri left the club to manage Juventus.
The situation he inherits isn’t ideal for any manager as Chelsea are currently under a two-window transfer ban from FIFA, following an investigation into their signing of foreign under-18 players.
However, Lampard is using this as an opportunity to develop the club’s academy players and give them the opportunity to challenge for a spot in the first-team.
Frank Lampard's galvanised the club
And Cole believes the players are also buying into the manager’s plans.
“He’s galvanised the club,” Cole told talkSPORT.
“No one would have asked for the club to be handed a transfer ban, but it’s allowed them to take a step back.
“Younger players in and around the building are looking in and seeing that they’re going to get an opportunity.
Mason Mount is a ‘top player’ claims Joe Cole
“Frank says he’s going to get players in and around the squad that are ready to play in the first team.”
The former Derby manager made it clear he is keen to develop and nurture the talent at Stamford Bridge and the initial work has clearly paid off as Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all committed their long-term future to the club with Callum Hudson-Odoi expected to be next.
And Cole has tipped Mount to make an impact next season.
The 20-year-old midfielder is a player Lampard knows well, as he spent last season on loan at Derby, where he made 43 appearances and scored 11 goals in all competitions.
Chelsea: Frank Lampard 'pleased' with team's attitude
“Mason Mount is a top player,” Cole said. “He’s produced the goods on loan in Holland [with Vitesse] and in England [with Derby].
“Every challenge he’s had he’s met. For me that’s a sign that a player is going to go places. Every time a question is asked of him, he performs.
“You’ve got to take your chance if you’re a young lad. It might be five or ten minutes, that’s the nature of the beast.
“You get the feeling if Mason gets the nod he will produce.”