Lampard, AVB scrap threatens to derail Chelsea

The manner in which Frank Lampard walked over to applaud the fans after Chelsea’s 3-0 win over lowly Bolton on Saturday was almost like a dress rehearsal for a testimonial match somewhere in the future.

‘Mr Chelsea’ may have scored the goal to help save his manager's job but then sensationally admitted after the game: My relationship with AVB is not ideal.

Media speculation has been rife this week that it would be Ashley Cole heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season, but, it could well be Lampard.

In fact, news on Sunday morning was that Cole will definitely be staying at the Bridge.

According to an exclusive report in the Mirror (https://bit.ly/wmXtpZ), Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has intervened to make it clear that Cole must stay.

The 31-year-old international  was back for yesterday’s 3-0 win over Bolton and Abramovich was at Stamford Bridge to watch the game and saw Frank Lampard score.

The England midfielder's 150th league goal was followed by this comment: "I think you can probably see that it's not been ideal (his relationship with AVB). There have been certain issues. Certain players, we don't like not to play.

"I'm sure we're all frustrated at the minute. Everyone who's involved, especially people who have got Chelsea in their hearts, who have been here a long time and want to see us performing as we should do.

"It doesn't mean I want to play every game and, if I sit on the bench, I want to see Chelsea win.

Lampard's goal, after strikes from David Luiz and Didier Drogba, eased the pressure on AVB.

But the manager warned the midfielder could be back on the bench against West Brom on Saturday.

He said: "Lamps had his chance today and played fantastically well."

But when asked if the England star was a shoo-in to face West Brom on Saturday, he added: "That is not the way it works."

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