The Absence of Frank

The Independent newspaper’s blog pages carry a controversial post from Henry Deedes who dares to suggest that the continuing absence from the Chelsea line-up of Frank Lampard, dealing with the recent death of his mother, is a sign of unprofessionalism given the magnitude of the current fixture list. Not surprisingly the majority of responses from fellow bloggers have been vehemently critical of Deedes, but I can appreciate where he is coming from. Agreeing with his viewpoint, however, is another matter.

Lampard is coping with a situation which I have no experience of, one which we all have to confront at some point and one which everyone must handle in their own individual way. For the majority of us who exist in far less profile employment, getting back to work may present an opportunity to shift the focus back to the ongoing trials and tribulations of life, albeit with an ultimately uncostly blip in short-term performance. International footballers are not afforded this luxury – they are expected to produce time after time, regardless of circumstance.

Whether Lampard is in a position to provide his best displays at a time when a handful of key matches will define the English and European seasons should not be an issue. Chelsea, unlike most employers, have a wealth of resources at their disposal to compensate for the loss of one individual. In remaining out of the spotlight, Lampard may feel that with his mind not in a position to concentrate at its optimum level, the team’s goals will be better served by the inclusion of a more than capable deputy.

He should be welcomed back to the fold in his own time, when he feels he is ready to do so.