Lampard throws weight behind under-fire coach Ancelotti

Updated on: 19 February,2011 07:22 AM IST |
Agencies |

Chelsea star Frank Lampard offers his support to under-fire coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their FA Cup replay match against Everton at Stamford Bridge tonight

Chelsea star Frank Lampard offers his support to under-fire coach Carlo Ancelotti ahead of their FA Cup replay match against Everton at Stamford Bridge tonight

Frank Lampard. Pic/Getty Images

For Ancelotti
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is determined to keep fighting for the Italian, who last season became the first manager in Chelsea's history to guide them to the Double. Lampard said: "The manager won the Double last year. He is a fantastic manager and a fantastic man. I wouldn't say I have felt sorry for him, he is very aware of the situation.

He knows Chelsea are a big club and the minute you are on a funny run then people talk.
"He is level-headed and everyone has respect for him. He didn't deserve to get that kind of talk too much and he has very much come through that. He is a top manager to work for."

If there is one team that Lampard loves playing against, it's Everton. He has scored six goals against them in his Chelsea career, including the winner in the 2009 FA Cup Final. Chelsea have an opportunity to become the first club since the 1880s to win the competition three years in a row and Lampard added: "I was made aware of that recently and it would be a fantastic achievement if we do it.

Determined
"You will see by our attitude and the team we put out that we're determined to win the FA Cup again."

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels