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Lampard has given Chelsea players ‘more freedom’, says Mateo Kovacic

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Frank Lampard



Mateo Kovacic says he is able to play with ‘more confidence’ since making his move to Chelsea permanent, and credited manager Frank Lampard for allowing him to play with ‘more freedom’.

The Croatian started alongside Jorginho and Ross Barkley in Chelsea’s 3-2 win away to Norwich City on Saturday, what was Lampard’s first Premier League win since his appointment.

Kovacic, an attacking midfielder by trade, played in a more defensive capacity under Maurizio Sarri last season.

But since completing his £40million move to Stamford Bridge, and working under Lampard, the 25-year-old has begun to push further forward.

He is still to score for the Blues, but a fine pass in the second half yesterday created the all-important third goal at Carrow Road.

“Yeah, he [Lampard] gives me more freedom and I can come and take the ball and go forward,” he said.

“So I feel good, I have a good connection with the coach and the team but I am now a Chelsea player so I feel better – last year I was only on loan – this year I feel better and more confidence.

“I think we started [the season] playing very well, the results were not perfect but obviously we played good.

“We needed the three points more than the beautiful game and we did a good game, won and so everything was perfect.”

The 4-0 away defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford was followed in the League by a 1-1 draw with Leicester City at Stamford Bridge. Early days for sure, but the Blues hold far loftier ambitions than sixteenth place.

And Kovacic believes the team can now feel more relaxed with their first win under their belts.

“It makes it more relaxed, last year was difficult and I needed to show myself but I think last year was good, not perfect but good, this year I have started well and I want to continue like that.

Under Sarri, a third-place finish and a Europa League trophy beautifully masked what had been a problematic campaign under the Italian.

While Kovacic was reluctant to criticise Sarri – who is now in charge at Juventus – the Croatian believes the good-will factor is back at the Bridge, with a strong bond between the players, the manager and the fans.

“I don’t know, last season was also good,” replied Kovacic when asked whether this season is more enjoyable.

“We had a good connection with that coach [Sarri] and it was also a good year but the connection is good – the fans obviously love him, the players as well.

“He is young and understands us, so we have a good connection with the coach.

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