Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has defended manager Antonio Conte over comments he made to the media last week, where he put an end to speculation about his future at the club.

The boss has been the subject of intense rumours surrounding his future at Chelsea, with many reporting that players have grown tired of the Italian’s training regime.

But Conte was quick to dismiss those rumours, calling them ‘bull***t’ during last week’s press conference.

Frank Lampard says he agrees with Conte’s rant, and believes the Chelsea players will have appreciated seeing their manager showing that sort of reaction.

“A lot was made of his comments about the speculation going on at Stamford Bridge but I could understand why he spoke out and the players will, too,” Lampard told the Evening Standard.

“I don’t think it is a bad thing that he showed his emotions. He is pretty cool headed most of the time. But sometimes if you have to say something, you should say it as a manager.

“As a player I would be happy with the idea of Conte defending himself and the team as a whole. I would appreciate him nipping it in the bud.

“You have to react at certain times. If you always keep your mouth shut, maybe you’re letting things run away that you shouldn’t do.

“Of course, pressure is not new to him. All the talk over Conte’s position is premature.

“Obviously, some of the stuff being said stems from the fact that Chelsea have a history of changing managers – so the moment there is any mention of discourse, then people will start to think it’s the same old story.

“I think Chelsea fans have become slightly immune to it all and so it comes just back to what is happening on the pitch.”