Lampard Accuses Barkley of ‘Lack of Professionalism’

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has criticised Ross Barkley for showing a lack of professionalism after the midfielder was pictured shirtless in a nightclub during the international break.

Barkley was left out of Chelsea’s squad for their Champions League Group H clash against Valencia as he continued his recovery from an ankle injury.

The incident came only weeks after the 25-year-old was involved in a dispute with a taxi driver during a night out in Liverpool.

Lampard had publicly supported Barkley following that earlier episode but adopted a firmer position after the latest incident.

“Ross knows how I felt about the first headline. I backed him then and I still back him now,” Lampard said.

“But he showed a moment of a lack of professionalism as far as I’m concerned.”

The Chelsea boss added that Barkley now needed to respond through his performances and conduct on the pitch.

Despite his criticism, Lampard insisted he was not trying to control every aspect of his players’ private lives.

“I don’t police every moment of their lives,” he said, adding that he did not consider Barkley’s behaviour a major offence.

Lampard also stressed that Barkley remained part of his plans and that his absence from the Valencia match was mainly connected to his fitness.

The midfielder was still experiencing discomfort when shooting and needed more training before returning to full match action.

“I certainly don’t hold anything against my players. I like Ross, he’s certainly one of my players,” Lampard said.

Chelsea headed into the Valencia match level on points with Ajax and their Spanish opponents in a tightly contested Champions League group.

The Blues were also without Callum Hudson-Odoi because of a minor hamstring injury, while Marcos Alonso did not travel with the squad.