Frank Lampard challenges Enzo Fernandez to take on key role at Chelsea
Caretaker manager Frank Lampard has called on Enzo Fernandez to be a 'leader' for Chelsea in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.
The Blues head into the game against the European champions in a torrid run of form having not won any of their last four in the Premier League - including Lampard's first game in charge against Wolves at the weekend, a game which Chelsea lost 1-0.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, Lampard has called on the club's record-signing to stand up and be counted on Wednesday evening in order to stop the rot.
"Chelsea brought in some younger players throughout this season, we had to give them a chance at developing into the leaders we want them to be," Lampard told the assembled media.
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"Enzo is becoming a leader, but he's 22, I think it's quite difficult for us to talk about that, he'll have to find his way. Games like tonight are a great chance to perform and show the personality that makes you a proper leader.
"It's normal in a season when a club like us falls below the levels we want the character gets questioned. It's one of the first things probably to get questioned in times of defeat. The only thing the players can do is prove it on the pitch, where people can see it."
The World Cup winner was signed for an astonishing £106.8m on January deadline day, and has played 12 games to date for the club without registering a goal. Fernandez will be hoping to bag his first for the Blues at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening.
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