Skip to Content. Skip to Navigation.

News

 
 
Blues are just getting started: Lamps

Blues are just getting started: Lamps

18/08/2008 7:11 PM

Frank Lampard insists there is more to come from Chelsea this season following Sunday's victory over Portsmouth that got Luiz Felipe Scolari's reign off to a flying start.

Pompey were taken apart in the first half at Stamford Bridge, with Joe Cole and Nicolas Anelka scoring before Lampard netted from the penalty spot before the break, a goal in his first match since signing a new five-year contract last week.

"We can build on that," said Lampard. "The first half was as good as we can play."

"Having not won anything last year we go in (to this season) with a real determination and I think we showed that."

"We just wanted to play as well as we can. We wanted to start all guns blazing."

"Last year we had a difficult start and the football we played in the first half was top drawer."

Chelsea could have added more in the second half before Deco, on his debut, scored from long range in the 89th minute to cap off a man-of-the-match display.

Lampard was impressed with his fellow midfielder, and told Sky Sports: "It's not easy to come to a different country and settle in as quickly as he has. His touch is fantastic and he's obviously going to be a great signing for us."

Scolari believes the manner of victory would have pleased owner Roman Abramovich.

"I think the owner is happy, like the other fans," Scolari said. "He's one more fan for Chelsea."

"Portsmouth, after five or 10 minutes didn't think we'd play like we were and we were more aggressive than last season. I think they were surprised by our team."

Scolari mirrored his tactics while coach of Brazil by using his full-backs to provide width, with Ashley Cole and Jose Bosingwa given license to maraud forwards.

Scolari was reluctant to draw comparisons, and said: "Lampard is not Brazilian. He's English. But he touched the ball very well. It was his style."

The only negative aspect of the afternoon was an ankle injury to Michael Ballack, who will be assessed by Chelsea medical staff before he is released on international duty.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is looking for more signings before the end of the transfer window but admitted he needed to sell Pedro Mendes to Rangers this week to balance the books.

"Where do you get good loans? I'd like to try, but it's not easy," he said.

Despite his frustrations, Redknapp insists he does not want to move from Fratton Park, despite recently being linked with a return to West Ham.

He added: "I've had opportunities before and didn't take them."

"I'm happy where I am. It's not a case of the grass being greener."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

Latest Headlines

 
 
Reds aim high for Jets
Reds aim high for Jets
Football
08/01/2009 1:27 PM
A 'flat' Adelaide United is optimistic it can shake off the lethargy it displayed against ...
 
 
Griffin to master No.1 spot
Football
08/01/2009 4:10 PM
 
Jets happy with ACL draw
Football
08/01/2009 11:32 AM
 
Rams stun United
Football
08/01/2009 9:41 AM
 
Mariners make use of English connections
Football
08/01/2009 9:13 AM
 
Motherwell sinks Hearts
Football
08/01/2009 9:13 AM
 
Terry rues Bridge sale
Football
08/01/2009 5:31 AM
 
Jets handed good draw
Football
07/01/2009 7:02 PM
 
Farina wants five more
Football
07/01/2009 4:34 PM
 
Glory out to impress
Football
07/01/2009 4:13 PM
 
 
 

Your Say

 
 

Our Say

 
 
Melbourne looking the goods
Melbourne looking the goods
Bren O'Brien
Aurelio Vidmar will be having a few sleepless nights in the lead-up to the finals trying ...more
United's busy schedule a worry
United's busy schedule a worry
Paul Gough
Manchester United's participation in the 'Mickey Mouse' FIFA World Club Championship ...more