Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas has stated that Frank Lampard is part of his long-term plans and will not leave the club in January.
The veteran midfielder has not been an automatic choice for the Portuguese coach since he assumed power in the summer, with rumours rife that the England international may make an exit from Stamford Bridge.
However, Villas Boas has confirmed that Lampard will stay with The Blues for the foreseeable future.
“He’s going to be here for sure. Yes, long-term,” the trainer stated at a press conference.
Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are both out of contract in the summer and have also been speculated with leaving the club, but Villas Boas wants to keep the Ivory Coast duo.
“They will return to this club from the African Nations and hopefully we will hold on to them until the end of the season.
“That’s our intention, and I think their willingness as well,” he continued.
Finally, the under-fire tactician stated that it was time for his players to get victories on the pitch to reignite their title challenge.
“The problem is you have to show it on the pitch.
“At the moment, we have exhausted ourselves in words.
“It’s time for us to get a practical run of victories to make our title challenge together. We are trying to begin that,” he concluded.
