Lampard proud of Chelsea's response to coronavirus crisis

Chelsea manr Frank Lampard believes Blues can be proud of ir response to coronavirus crisis. London club quickly offered use of a hotel at ir Stamford Bridge stium to health workers once Premier League matches were suspended last month and have promised to match all donations me to domestic abuse charity Refuge during a six-week fundraising campaign. Unlike a number of or Premier League clubs who have attracted criticism for using UK government's furlough scheme to pay n-playing staff, Chelsea have so far decided against using public money.

Lampard proud of Chelsea response

"I'm very proud to be manr of this club with way Chelsea have handled it," Lampard told Sky Sports.

"y were very quick to respond with help of hotel and re's a lot more work going on with foundation, with link-ups and with getting in touch with fans.

"re are a lot of people at Chelsea who have really stood up." Premier League players h been in firing from prominent politicians, including UK health secretary Matt Hancock, for t agreeing pay cuts.

A fund has since been set up by Premier League stars where y will donate to help frontline workers in health service and talks over deferring ws are ongoing at a number of clubs. "Football players will try and do right thing," ded Lampard. "I think y needed some time and politicians jumped gun while things were being prepared. It was unfortunate that picture got painted."  With virus yet to peak in UK, Premier League season has been indefinitely suspended with date even for clubs to return to training.

In meantime, players are having to keep fit at home, but Lampard is wary of a quick return to action when restrictions are lifted. German clubs have alrey returned to training in small groups with hopes Bundesliga can restart behind closed doors next month. Similar proposals have been me for Premier League to complete season without fans at matches over summer months.

"It's challenging in that its unprecedented and we don't kw how long it's going to go on for," said Lampard.

"We're trying to stay in contact with players. In football we're so used to schedules and routine and this is completely different.

"We may have a short pre-season coming up so players need to be rey. But y are professionals so you have to trust that y will want to come back as well as y can."

Im credits: AFP