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Frank Lampard speaks to Off the Ball on why Shay Given didn't join Chelsea


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Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has told Off the Ball that he has a good friendship with former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, but the Donegal native will be staying at Derby County. 

Given is the current goalkeeping coach with the Championship outfit, his first role behind the scenes after a distinguished career between the posts.

He assisted Lampard last season as the Rams reached the play-off final at Wembley.

Lampard was speaking to Off the Ball's Ryan Clarke after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Bohemians in a pre-season friendly at Dalymount Park.

"Shay is staying at Derby County.  I worked with Shay last year and it was just a circumstance for him to remain with Derby.  I have a good friendship with Shay and I wish him all the best there obviously."

Lampard spoke about the challenge posed by the League of Ireland Premier Division club, who earned a 1-1 draw with a late goal by Eric Molloy cancelling out Michy Batshuayi's early opener.

"We did enjoy the game. It’s our first game, we’ve only had four days training or so. It was a lot of young players, good competition, great support from the locals, so it was good."

It was Frank Lampard's first match in charge of Chelsea since he replaced Maurizio Sarri.

Chelsea remain in the capital ahead of Saturday's game against St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park. That match kicks off at  2 pm.

The Pensioners will then go on a tour of Japan.

Lampard is ready to get to work after being handed the managerial reins at a club where he became a legend.

"I am excited.  It’s obviously a big challenge for me, for the club. It’s been a club that’s been my home for a long time and I am back and I want to work hard and be as much of a success as I can."


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