Chelsea manager Frank Lampard admits he has little to do with owner Roman Abramovich. But he still reports back to Abramovich after games and insists he is honest in his feedback, even after a poor performance or result.

Lampard says that the russian owner was «very visible at the training ground in the early years», but that it was director Marina Granovskaia who he held talks with on his return as manager last year, not the owner, speaking to The Athletic.

«From then, I haven’t had a close, close relationship with him, albeit I report back my thoughts on games, on where I see us and where I see us moving forward consistently through Marina and I’m very happy with that», Lampard said.

Good enough

Lampard says the relationship is good even though it’s not too much dialogue.

«I would say the relationship is close without being practically close day-to-day or week-to-week. I feel the support from afar, but it’s very straight, very cut-and-dried and that’s how I try to give it back.»

«If I’m commenting on how we’re playing or performing, I don’t beat around the bush. Whether good or bad, I think that’s the right policy with a man of that level.»