Lampard: Solskjaer criticism has been harsh
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard defended Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been harshly criticised since being appointed by Manchester United, according to Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard.
The Norwegian was propelled into the job on a caretaker basis last December following Jose Mourinho's sacking and won 14 of his first 17 matches in charge.
But United's form turned after he was handed the top job on a permanent basis as they ended the 2018-19 campaign with one win in nine matches, leading to some questioning the decision to hand him the role full-time.
Ahead of Chelsea's opening-weekend trip to Old Trafford, however, Lampard insisted the criticism Solskjaer has faced is not justified.
Chelsea finished 26 and 25 points off top two Manchester City and Liverpool respectively last season, but Lampard is aiming high ahead of his first campaign as a Premier League boss.
"Manchester City and Liverpool showed there was a gap, everyone has to make it up," he said. "We will aim to win and of course we want to be in the Champions League every year. We are realistic and we just have to work our hardest. The gap [is bridgeable] because this is football. One of the beauties is that you start again fresh."
Lampard also confirmed he will make a late decision on whether to use fitness doubts N'Golo Kante, Willian and Antonio Rudiger at Old Trafford.