Boss Frank Lampard was in no mood to back error-prone goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga prior to Chelsea’s first Champions League game of the season.
Lampard has been quick to defend the Spaniard in recent weeks, despite the £71m signing’s hapless start to the season which led to Chelsea signing Edouard Mendy.
But with Senegal international Mendy injured for the game against Southampton on Saturday, the recalled Kepa made another costly error in the 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard, whose side host Sevilla on Tuesday night, have conceded almost 1.5 goals a game since he took charge.
He was asked about that at a press conference on Monday afternoon.
But Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer said the stat is a little misleading – and he clearly suggested that poor goalkeeping, rather than poor defending, was the issue.
Little wonder then that Lampard recently decided to axe Kepa and bring in Mendy.
“I’m aware of the stats and the other stat is we’ve conceded the second least shots,” Lampard said.
“It helps to narrow down the issue. It’s something we’re aware with recruitment and on the pitch with the players to make sure we set up well.
“We want to concede less, as do all teams at the moment.”
Meanwhile, Lampard says Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour should return to action next month after a knee injury.
“Billy is working really well,” Lampard said. “He’s probably three or four weeks away from his return.
“He’s working outside with the physios at the moment but we hope to integrate him into training with either ourselves or the Under-21s at some point soon.
“We are probably looking at the other side of the next international break with Billy, all being well.”