Frank Lampard has paid tribute to his team-mates for staying
strong despite the internal ructions which have threatened to
derail Chelsea's season.
In recent weeks the reigning champions have had to contend with
daily reports of a growing rift between manager Jose Mourinho and
owner Roman Abramovich, as well as rumours of dressing room
disputes.
However their Portuguese manager's future now looks to be on
steadier ground, until the summer at least, and The Blues are keen
to focus all their efforts on closing the six-point gap that
separates them from leaders Manchester United.
Chelsea's bid for a third consecutive title has stalled with just
one win in their last five games, but Lampard believes the spirit
the squad have shown off the pitch will translate into positive
results in the coming weeks.
"It's important to keep that togetherness when things aren't going
so well, and when people are saying things from the outside, and we
have stayed very strong," Lampard told Sky Sports News.
"So I give credit to the lads, we are a strong bunch.
"As soon we drew a couple of games over Christmas people wanted to
start saying things, it's part of being at the club, but it is very
important as a player that you don't take your eye off the ball and
start getting concerned about things off the pitch.
"[You] make sure you train well and play well and that is what we
are trying to do."
Lampard also denied that intense media pressure would have an
effect on Mourinho, who stated at the weekend that he expects to
see out his contract at Stamford Bridge.
"The manger is not a stupid man, far from it, and he will
understand it," Lampard added.
"We have all been in the game long enough to know that it is not
always plain sailing and good results, so that is not a
problem.
"We have to keep looking at the bigger picture, we are in four
competitions and we want to win them all."