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Joe Cole notices a key change Frank Lampard has made since Maurizio Sarri left Chelsea
Frank Lampard has surprised many with his start as Chelsea head coach.
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Chelsea hero Joe Cole says Blues head coach Frank Lampard has been far more flexible than former boss Maurizio Sarri.
Lampard replaced Sarri in the summer, with the Italian spending just one season in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Sarri led Chelsea to a top-four finish in the Premier League and the Europa League trophy but he was often criticised for not changing his style of play during his time at the club.
But Cole says that is one thing Lampard has done during his short time in charge so far.
Too much under the Sarri era it was so monotonous and so robotic
“The key thing there is the flexibility,” Cole said on BT Sport.
“Too much under the Sarri era it was so monotonous and so robotic.
“Frank’s changed the system two or three times here, he’s played Mount in two or three positions, because these lads are well-schooled in that way of playing.
“So as they’ve come into the team, it’s just been smooth.
“I think continuing with that level of flexibility, who they’re playing against, can they adjust, and I think these boys, the education they’re getting, is fantastic and they’re winning on the job.”
Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League table following Saturday’s 1-0 home with over Newcastle United.
Lampard has given a number of the club’s academy graduates opportunities in the first-team so far this term.
And Cole has praised the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori for taking their chance.
“I think Chelsea have made it clear that [youth is] the culture that they want and that’s the route they’re going down,” he added.
“You’ve got to give the lads credit who’ve stepped up.
“It’s one thing giving young boys the chances to go and play but these guys have gone out there and done it.
“Five wins in a row, it’s brilliant, different class for Frank and for Chelsea.”