- Chelsea drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday
- Tiemoue Bakayoko made a costly error in the build-up to Atletico’s opener
- Former Blues star Frank Lampard believes Bakayoko needs to work on his game
- Lampard also believes that Chelsea should fear nobody in the last-16 draw
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard believes Tiemoue Bakayoko needs to improve after his error cost Antonio Conte’s side on Tuesday night.
Bakayoko was to blame in the build-up to Atletico Madrid’s only goal of the game in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder failed to track Atletico winger Saul Niguez who found space in the Chelsea penalty area before heading past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has said that Tiemoue Bakayoko needs to improve after error
Bakayoko’s error led to Atletico Madrid’s opening goal against Chelsea on Tuesday night
Lampard, who was working as a pundit during BT Sport’s coverage of the game, criticised Bakayoko for switching off.
‘He sleeps,’ the former Blues midfielder said. ‘His concentration goes and at this level if you sleep for a second and it’s an easy goal for Atletico.’
The 23-year-old has made 19 appearances for Conte’s side this season and started 15 times.
Bakayoko has made 19 appearances for Antonio Conte’s Chelsea since joining from Monaco
Despite the Chelsea manager’s backing of the £40million summer signing from Monaco, Lampard remains unconvinced and has urged him to improve.
He added: ‘I don’t know with Bakayoko. I think it’s well documented that he hasn’t settled quickly at Chelsea and English football in the Premier League as well and he has to come to grips with that.
‘A moment’s sleeping today doesn’t work so he needs to improve but he’s [Antonio Conte] got options. [Danny] Drinkwater will play as well but hopefully Bakayoko will improve.’
Eden Hazard celebrates after Stefan Savic’s own goal levelled the match against Atletico
Despite Lampard’s comments about Bakayoko, he does believe Chelsea shouldn’t fear whoever they draw in the round of 16.
He said: ‘Obviously PSG, we’re all talking about them and Barcelona, we all know what they have to offer. Chelsea fans will realistically look at Besiktas but it’s a draw so who knows and again who knows where all these different teams are.
‘Even if Chelsea do draw one of the bigger teams then what a game and if you’re going to win this competition you have to beat the big boys.’