Frank Lampard has cancelled Chelsea's Christmas party ahead of a key festive period.
The Blues are currently third in the league and two points off the top after 11 games. The visit to Everton tomorrow is the first of five matches in 16 days in what is always an important stage of the season.
And having seen some of his players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham and Ben Chilwell flout COVID-19 rules in recent times, Lampard has confirmed there will be no be official Christmas party for his squad.
With London heading towards tier 3 in the UK's tier-system, he's also hopeful none of his players will go out alone.
Advert
Lampard said: "I'd better read up on the tier system - there are certain factual things about tiers that a lot of us have doubts about.
"But I know the basics and the players should do by now and I will reiterate to them their responsibilities.
"I think the Christmas party thing of yesteryear has mellowed now anyway.
"Players are so well followed on social media that some of the parties I might have been involved in are a thing of the past.
Advert
"Responsibilities for players are big, as role models to the outside world, for their professional careers, to do the right thing particularly when they are playing so frequently over Christmas.
"They have to live differently to the rest of the public and focus. I will have those conversations."
Lampard brought in a host of a new arrivals in the summer window, including Thiago Silva, Timo Werner, Edouard Mendy and Hakim Ziyech.
But Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer admits his squad have missed out on opportunities to bond outside of time on the pitch and in training.
Advert
He added: "We have missed out a bit. We have new signings this year, a new fresh squad in a way.
"We have missed the opportunity to go out to dinner together more often and it's been one of the tough parts of Covid."
Lampard has shown in the past he's not afraid to show a ruthless side by implementing a serious, no-nonsense fine system at Chelsea.
One that catches the eye is £500 for every minute that a Chelsea player is late to a team meeting, while failing to turn up to community events as well as not travelling back on the team bus will set the individual back £5000 respectively.
Advert
The most expensive fine on the list is a huge £20,000 fine for players who are late for training.
Topics: Chelsea, Football, Premier League
