Chelsea’s boss, Frank Lampard’s confirmation of Cesar Azpilicueta being the Chelsea Captain is indeed justified. This implies just like the previous season, he will wear the captain’s armband this season too.
It was no surprise that the Blues manager kept Azpilicueta as captain since he became a manager. He didn’t go for any change in the captaincy. Perhaps, there might be some reasons for this decision of his fitting the captain’s role. Cesar is the one and only player remaining from the era when Lampard used to wear the Chelsea shirt. Lampard has known him since then.
Keep working! 💪🏻⚽️ #CFC pic.twitter.com/32Rh8xeP2P
— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) September 16, 2020
In short, he is the lone soldier of the Stamford Bridge who saw the incarnation of this empire in the early days and the current re-developing phase of Chelsea. The identification of that culture and the understanding of history is both necessary for the club and the fans. Lampard understands that well and so no doubt why Cesar Azpilicueta has been chosen as the captain.
Lampard was chosen as the club manager and was embraced by the Blues as there was a sign of mutual understanding of the culture and mentality of the club, that Lampard could project to the youngsters. This is the same reason why Cesar was also backed to become the captain. Cesar understands how a manager and captain’s relation should be and how it is to be echoed.
In an article on the club’s official website, Azpilicueta talks about how he looks forward to playing the following game and reaches the training session early after any defeat. It clearly shows the compassion and humility in his leadership which is suited to a large extent to the fragile egos and the youngsters of the team. This season there are a ridiculous amount of talented youngsters, some new faces, and some with high price tags. No player currently in the Chelsea squad fits to lead the squad apart from Thiago Silva who recently joined the Blues.
Cesar’s qualities are similar too like that of the Chelsea coach. Just like him, Cesar leads by example in every training or in a match or the rest of the young guns.
Although he remains as the Chelsea club captain, the 31-year-old will share his minutes with the young Reece James, someone who has been a sort of a prodigy for the Blues skipper. For his development, there will be a reduction in the number of minutes he will play in this season as compared to the previous seasons.
The Spaniard came off from the bench in the season-opener win against Brighton & Hove Albion. His introduction in the second half saw Reece James moving to the midfield area. Reece James’ impressive display against Brighton will earn more minutes from Lampard and this can be a good sign for Chelsea. The Chelsea coach has welcomed the competition for the right-back position. Azpilicueta’s will still be a key player despite the chances of low minutes as he can play in any of the back three positions saw the academy product moved into midfield but the skipper can also play in a back three and left-back and will remain a key player despite no longer guaranteed to start every game
“Yes, absolutely Azpi is club captain this season,” Lampard said. “He’s done a great job of it.”
Lampard has also talked about how Cesar has been an asset for him since he has been in the managerial role. Moreover, Lampard appreciates Cesar’s help, the way he handles himself on and off the ground, and the communication he conveys within the team.
“We can all see the quality of Reece James and the competition I have in that right back position, but Azpi’s professionalism means he’s going to be as important for us this year as he always is. He is officially club captain.”
In terms of a potential reduction in minutes, Lampard added: “I can’t ask players who are as competitive as Azpi to be content with missing one game. Every player here should be keen to play every game. I know Azpi is like that. I know him from very well from playing with him. I don’t expect saints who say, ‘OK, I’m not playing this game, everything’s fine and rosy’.
I know We are all excited about Reece James but Cesar Azpilicueta is our best defender. Legend. My captain 💙 pic.twitter.com/vEYwvT4Zli
— 🌊🌊🌊 (@ziyechBaller) September 19, 2020
Lampard also says that not a single players need to want to play but, when a team has someone like Cesar as a captain, it is certain that he will give everything for it. The coach also said that there will be games where he will not play but will still have a positive impact outside the pitch as he has on the pitch as a captain. The Blues coach considers it a pleasure to have him on his team.
The 2020-21 season will be Azpilicueta’s ninth at Stamford Bridge. If he plays consistently, he will reach his personal milestones for the club after spending eight seasons. He will enter into Chelsea’s top 10 list of players who played most matches for the club if he manages to feature in more games.
