Chelsea: Barkley 'does not showcase ability' says Shearer
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard hammered his players at half-time during the Blues' FA Cup clash with Leicester, accusing them of not being good enough to wear the badge. The west London side were well off the pace during the first 45 minutes of the FA Cup quarter-final at the King Power, forcing the 42-year-old to make three substitutions at half-time.
Lampard hauled off Reece James, Billy Gilmour and Mason Mount, replacing the youngsters with Cesar Azpilicueta, Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley in an attempt to get a foothold in the game.
And the Chelsea manager was duly rewarded when Barkley swept home Willian's cross just after the hour to book the Blues' spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Lampard was critical of his players after the final whistle and match-winner Barkley revealed how the club legend read his squad the riot act during the break.
When asked about what Lampard said at half-time, Barkley told BT Sport: "[He said we were] not good enough for the Chelsea badge to be performing like that.
Frank Lampard was unhappy with his Chelsea players against Leicester (Image: GETTY)
"[We needed to] be vocal on the pitch and make things happen. We could have done better with the final pass and stuff like that."
Barkley's goal ensures Chelsea have won every single game since returning to action after lockdown and sets up a semi-final clash with Manchester United.
The midfielder now has four goals and four assists from his 23 appearances this term, with three of those strikes coming in the FA Cup.
Barkley is doing his best to emulate the exploits of Chelsea boss Lampard, who scored 274 goals during his professional career.
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"The gaffer said to get into the box and make things happen," explained Barkley.
"We work on it a lot in training. Midfielders get in the box and the rewards are there."
Lampard has been impressed by the 26-year-old's attitude this season, and has backed him to increase his tally of 14 starts before the end of the campaign.
“I played with Ross and I know he’s a great lad," said the Chelsea manager.
The Blues boss criticised his players at half-time during the FA Cup quarter-final clash (Image: GETTY)
“A great example of when you train at a level, have that attitude and when you have the quality that Ross has. He can score goals. He can shoot with both feet. He makes the box. He defended well and showed great discipline in his game against Manchester City.
“He is reaping the benefits and showing it. I've got lots of time for Ross, he's a big player for us and you could see that in the last three games.”
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