Chelsea boss Frank Lampard’s team-talk to flagging Blues stars against Man City revealed

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard took full advantage of the second-half drinks break to energise his flagging players during Thursday night’s win over Manchester City.

Lampard’s side were under the cosh after half-time and Kevin De Bruyne‘s free-kick equaliser had made City the favourites to go on and win at Stamford Bridge.

But Lampard – in conjunction with his captain Cesar Azpilicueta – took full advantage of the mid-half drinks break to urge one final effort from his team.

Frank Lampard took full advantage of the second-half drinks break to rally his flagging players

Lampard urged his players to be more confident and take more risks during the final stages

In a video clip from BT Sport, who turned their pitchside microphones up fully in the absence of crowd noise, Lampard can be seen striding purposefully from the dug-out.

As his players take on some much-needed liquid on a stiflingly hot night in London, Lampard tries to restore confidence with a quick pep talk.

He says: ‘come on lads, come on. Same story, same story, get confident in ourselves.’

Azpilicueta then intervenes, telling his team-mates: ‘If we have to play long, we play long. Then we go second balls. We get confidence from there.’

Cesar Azpilicueta also spoke to his team-mates, telling them to try playing long balls forward

Managers are taking advantage of the first and second-half drinks breaks to issue instructions

Chelsea’s players listen to manager Lampard as they take on liquids during the pause in play

The team talk seemed to work. Not only did the break interrupt City’s momentum but Chelsea went on to win the game.

About 10 minutes later, Fernandinho was sent off for handling Tammy Abraham’s goalbound effort on the line and Willian converted the subsequent penalty to grab all three points.

And Chelsea’s victory confirmed Liverpool as Premier League champions, sparking wild scenes of celebration for fans and players alike on Merseyside.

It clearly worked for Lampard and Azpilicueta as his team went on to win the match 2-1

Fernandinho handled the ball on the line while blocking a Chelsea shot, giving away a penalty and getting himself sent off following a VAR review

Willian stepped up to put the penalty into the back of the City net and settle the contest

The confidence Lampard spoke about was epitomised by Willian, who broke past De Bruyne’s challenge to race down the touchline, sparking the events that led to the winning goal.

It was Chelsea’s second 2-1 win since the restart, having beaten Aston Villa on Sunday, and consolidated their top four place, increasing the likelihood of Champions League football again next season.

The Blues must now turn their attention to the FA Cup quarter-finals, with a difficult tie away to Leicester City on Sunday afternoon.