Frank Lampard has hit back at reports he plans to ditch several Chelsea players this summer.
The Sun reported this week that Willian and Pedro, whose contracts are due to expire, could be on the the way out with Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Marcos Alonso, Emerson, Kurt Zouma and out-of-favour goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Manager Lampard has continually insisted that Willian and Pedro remain in talks over a new deal.
And he made his feelings clear about the speculation when asked at a press conference on Friday about Kepa’s future.
Lampard said: “I’ve read quite a bit of false, nonsense articles this week, with people probably guessing players (who might be leaving).
“Of course there are decisions for the club ongoing in the summer – we have to look at that. But there’s no way I’m jumping into the future now – and a lot of those reports were wrong.”
Kepa has been left out for Chelsea’s past five matches.
Lampard dropped him in favour of Willy Caballero but says there is no personal issue between Kepa and himself.
He said: “The relationship’s fine between player and manager. I have 20 or so players to keep happy and can’t keep them all happy at the same time.
“All I expect is their professionalism in training, which Kepa’s given.
“Every position is the same: you train well to try and get in the team when you’re not in it, and when you play you try to get performance levels that keep you in the team.
“Every player is in control of their own destiny with that to a degree.
“I will decide as we go. That’s why I’m very strong on the fact that how you turn up and train every day is pivotal to whether you pay.”