Frank Lampard has paid tribute to a 'big running team' in Newcastle United - who have the 'intensity and endurance' that the Chelsea side he is leaving behind lack.
Lampard oversaw a 1-1 draw against Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in the Chelsea interim boss' final game in charge on the last day of the season. It was a rare point for Lampard, who showed his respect for fourth-placed Newcastle before a ball was even kicked on Sunday.
The Chelsea legend was on the field to present some end of season awards to his side just as Newcastle players finished their warm-up and made their way off the pitch. Lampard greeted Anthony Gordon, who, of course, he worked with at Everton, and the former England star also made a point of shaking the hand of Bruno Guimaraes away from the cameras.
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Bruno has been a key part of a Newcastle side who have been so effective with and without the ball this season. Newcastle lead the way in sprints and high-intensity running and, when it comes to passes per defensive action, which measures pressing intensity; pressed sequences; and high turnovers, Newcastle's numbers are also among the very best in the Premier League.
Lampard was the first to recognise those qualities after the game as the interim Chelsea boss saluted a 'big running team' whose 'intensity and endurance' have been a 'big part of their success'.
"We're not physically competitive enough," Lampard told reporters. "Newcastle are and we haven't been. That's a strong opinion that I have."
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