Kick-off At Lunchtime, Lampard Calls The English Premier League Schedule Makes No Sense

Frank Lampard (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chelsea manager Frank Lampard called the English Premier League schedule absurd. He urged that the match which was held on Saturday afternoon local time in the last few months was no longer used.

Chelsea will visit the St. James' Park takes on Newcastle United on Saturday in our matchday ninth fixture. The kick-off for this match was held at lunchtime local time.

According to Lampard this does not make sense, because it cuts preparation time, especially for a number of players who just returned from strengthening their country on Thursday.

"It's not the best thing, if you don't want to call it the worst. When you look at the scheduling, it really seems absurd. The football schedule starts at lunch time, how many times the team has to experience that," Lampard said at a pre-match press conference. Friday.

"It's definitely not a useful way for players to prepare for a Premier League class match. If you want the best for this league, I want my players to be able to give their best, but not in such a difficult situation," he added.

Lampard is also in the carriage of a number of coaches who have urged the Premier League to immediately adopt a five-player substitution slot rule like other top competitions in Europe.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola are some of the coaches who have been vocal in voicing this urge.

"I think this is something I have to voice again with other clubs. My main concern is about the safety of the players, they are under a lot of stress especially they also appear in European competitions," said Lampard referring to the Champions League and Europa League.

"It's not that people have to shed tears for the players, but in other leagues they all give five substitutions, we have to revisit this issue," concluded Lampard.

Lampard said Kai Havertz had returned to training after being quarantined due to being positive for COVID-19 but said the German midfielder would not attend St. Petersburg. James' Park.

Meanwhile, United States wing, Christian Pulisic, is also still overshadowed by a big question mark because he has not finished recovering from a hamstring injury.

Chelsea are currently in fifth place in the standings and have the opportunity to experience the top position only three points away if they win against Newcastle.