FRANK LAMPARD must pick up his side after a sobering 4-0 defeat to Manchester United.
It was a disastrous start to the campaign for the Blues – who are currently under a transfer ban – having also lost the Uefa Super Cup tie against Liverpool, but a report of racist abuse against Tammy Abraham has overshadowed the game
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CHELSEA have launched a major clampdown on touts at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have taken legal action against 11 touts operating around the stadium.
Chelsea have obtained High Court injunctions preventing them congregating near the ground on match days, with one tout jailed for six months for persistently breaching the legal orders.
Stamford Bridge chiefs are determined to rid the club of the problem by hitting the touts in the pocket.
The legal cases brought costs against the 11 convicted touts, adding up to a hefty £170,000.
Blues bosses have pledged to continue their fight against the “criminal and anti-social behaviour”, deploying under-cover teams to catch touts in the act.
Fans exiting Fulham Broadway tube station in particular are accosted by touts as they make the five-minute walk to the Bridge.
The club warned fans against buying forged tickets and urged supporters to pass on any information about touts operating around the ground.
FRANK LAMPARD hopes the bloke with the banner has forgiven him as he prepares for his first game at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea boss.
The Blues legend has had a bond with the fans since his debut in 2001.
But one sulky supporter took offence with his spell at Manchester City after he left Chelsea.
Lampard came on as a City sub at Stamford Bridge in January 2015 and the sad punter brandished a home-made sign.
Lamps, 41, said: “I had a special relationship with the fans — apart from one bloke who had the banner. I am very proud to be coming back to Stamford Bridge as the manager.
“After all the good times I’ve had here as a player, it will be a surreal moment for me.
“I want to win this game against Leicester on Sunday so badly.”
PEP GUARDIOLA has revealed his thoughts on Frank Lampard's new-look side after the back-to-back losses.
He said: “I'm really impressed with how Chelsea played in the games with tough teams in United and Liverpool.
“They didn’t win but I was really surprised with how good Frank Lampard's team played. We saw United with the quality they have up front.
“Arsenal bought good players with [Nicolas] Pepe and David Luiz. They have [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang and [Alexandre] Lacazette, [Dani] Ceballos was an incredibly top player in Spain with good movement and quality.
“Tottenham are the same – they are all really good contenders.”
BRENDAN RODGERS believes Frank Lampard is a “perfect fit” for Chelsea.
He said: “Frank and (assistant) Jody (Morris) are a perfect fit for it. They both understand the fabric of the club,” said Rodgers.
“Frank understands the policy at the club, with the transfer ban, and he is giving young players a chance, which perhaps in the past those young players wouldn't get that opportunity.
“But, under Frank and Jody, young players are getting a chance to flourish now and he is doing a good job.
“In the games I have seen, Chelsea have played with a good tempo and intensity.
“Frank understands the importance of giving those young players a chance, but he also knows he has to win matches and get results, and I believe he will do well there.”
BLACK youngsters joining the Chelsea academy should have “no fear” of being racially abused, according to the Blues' first senior black player Paul Canoville.
He told BBC Sport: “Chelsea have one of the best academies in the country with lots of black players coming through.
“With Frank Lampard as head coach of the senior team and Eddie Newton on his backroom staff, black youngsters will be given a chance and a pathway to the first team.”
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