Frank Lebouef has branded Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana ‘immature’ after his error-strewn performance in the club’s 4-1 defeat against Manchester United. Much was expected of the £75million signing when he joined from Leicester City last summer, but his maiden Chelsea campaign has been far from impressive. Lebouef was particularly scathing of the 22-year-old for the way in which he conceded the second half penalty which put the result beyond doubt after he needlessly made contact with Bruno Fernandes, having been bamboozled by the United playmaker.
When asked whether Fofana has the ability to become a world class centre-half, Lebouef told ESPN FC: ‘I still want to believe that I’m not wrong and he will rectify the trajectory in his career. He has everything he needs to be one of the best centre backs but he needs to grow. He’s now in a big club and he needs to grow very quickly making sure his choices are not putting his team in danger. His frustration today when he was nutmegged by Bruno Fernandes, his reaction was very naïve. It was immature and he has to react better. Hopefully everything is going to be erased and banished very soon. If he carries on like that he can damage dramatically his career that’s for sure.’
Interim manager Frank Lampard switched to a back five last night in an attempt to nullify United’s attack, and explained: ‘We were the better football team in the first half – in possession, chances we matched them at least. To be 2-0 down is probably a sign of where we’re at. Second half, probably a sign of where we’re at. Our goal count for the season shows it’s a problem we don’t score goals enough. We gave them some threats in the first half but not many in the first half. Some of the defending in the second half showed why we play a back five at times.’