Chelsea's Frank Lampard: 'Carlo Ancelotti Is Not Just A Great Coach But A Great Man Too'

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has hailed the influence of Carlo Ancelotti, who is enjoying an effective rookie season in the Premier League having guided the club to the top of the table.

Lampard, who has been tasked with an alternative role this year in order to be accommodated into Ancelotti's famed diamond formation, believes that despite their enviable league position, there are still vast improvements to be made.

Teams that are top half-way through the season are traditionally regarded as being able to maintain that position, however, Lampard countered that notion to Sky Sports, saying: "Recently I don't think the stats have gone that way, Manchester Untied weren't top last year [Liverpool were]. Some teams thrive on the pressure, others not so, but it's an important few weeks for us."

He added: "The frustrating thing for us is that we were in the position to pull away in the past month yet we haven't done so. There is still room for improvement."

When probed as to whether the loss of four key players to African Cup of Nations duty will dent the Blues' ability to obtain positive results during winter (the club are without the services of Nigeria's John Mikel Obi, Ghana's Michael Essien, and Ivory Coast pair Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba) Lampard said: "I don't think so.

"The only way that will effect us is injuries but that's an issue all through the season, though, really.

"We have to make sure we keep our heads down. We should be able to carry on and win games without these four players.

"Drogba has been our best player this season. Nicolas Anelka has been fantastic, sensational at times. No fears about him and we have the young players, too."

Finally, when quizzed about his thoughts on Ancelotti, who is six months into his tenure in west London, Lampard said: "He's a great man as well as a great coach.

"He's a first class person to relate to. The great managers I get on with off the pitch as well as on it. It's a joy to work with him."