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'You have to have empathy' | L...

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'You have to have empathy' | Lampard backs Deeney's decision not to return


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Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes that it is important to show empathy to players who have concerns about returning to action.

Premier League clubs resumed non-contact training today with the aim to get the season back underway in mid-June.

Troy Deeney is one of a number of players who are worried about returning, with the Watford captain explaining his own situation regarding his son's health and how BAME (Black, Asian and mixed ethnicities) players could be more vulnerable to the coronavirus.

Lampard supports Deeney's decision.

"People like Troy Deeney, you have to give them the freedom to speak out because people will be speaking from the heart," Lampard told Sky Sports.

"Some people will be more comfortable about it. I think we have to upgrade that communication so players know what they're going through and then they can make those decisions.

"My lads I know, and I'm sure other managers will speak in the same way, they're good lads. Their intentions and their feelings for their family and how they feel are good.

"They want to get [back to the club] and work. They can't wait to get back and play football."

There have been suggestions that clubs may refuse to players who do not want to return yet.

Lampard wants his players to know that he will listen to their concerns and will take on board, everything his squad tells him.

"My job now, you talk about working on the grass as a manager, I think the important part of my job at the moment is a [having] lot of empathy," he added.

"'How do you feel? Do you feel good? Fine, okay.' If [the player] feels not so good, what does the group feel like.

"It's making sure that that's the case. You can't just say, 'Lads, we're going this way', because this is a situation that none of us has known."


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