Frank Lampard has disclosed that he does not have a very close relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich since he turned out as the sides’ manager last season.
Lampard first arrived Stamford Bridge as a player under the ownership of the Russian Billionaire. At the time, the 42-year-old enjoyed a successful spell; winning slew of titles.
Abramovich had bought the club from Ken Bates 17 years ago, and turned it into a force to be reckoned within his first few years at Stamford Bridge.
And Within two years, Chelsea had their first piece of silverware in the new era, the Carling Cup, and then lifted their first league title in 50 years under Jose Mourinho.
Speaking with The Athlectic, Lampard said the Chelsea owner was visible at the training ground during the period under review, but upon his return as manager, he could only report to him through his director, Marina Granovskaia.
Abramovich has been a distant figure at Stamford Bridge in recent years after he withdrew his application for a new visa in the UK in 2018 amid a Government crackdown on wealthy overseas investors, according to Daily Mail.
The 54-year-old attended his his first Chelsea game since the 2019 Europa League final – away at Krasnodar in the Champions League.
“When I came back to the club, no; it was Marina (Granovskaia, the director), who contacted Derby and then myself to make that happen”, he said.
“I saw Roman on pre-season last year and it was big smiles and not cuddles but welcomes and handshakes.’
While admitting that he still reports to Abramovich after games, the former Chelsea midfielder insists he is honest in his feedback, even after a poor performance or result.
“From then, I haven’t had a close, close relationship with him, albeit I report back my thoughts on games, on where I see us and where I see us moving forward consistently through Marina and I’m very happy with that.
“I would say the relationship is close without being practically close day-to-day or week-to-week. I feel the support from afar, but it’s very straight, very cut-and-dried and that’s how I try to give it back.
“If I’m commenting on how we’re playing or performing, I don’t beat around the bush. Whether good or bad, I think that’s the right policy with a man of that level.”
Lampard endured a terrible start to a more competitive managerial career at Chelsea last season. However, the English man seemed to have figured a way out after making a statement during the summer transfer.
