Frank Lebouef branded Wesley Fofana ‘immature’ after the £75million signing turned in another error-strewn performance in Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat against Manchester United.
Much was expected of the France international when he joined from Leicester City last Summer (Summer is Here SALE)r, but he has failed to justify both his fee and reputation during a disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge.
Injuries, managerial upheaval and the general feeling of chaos that has engulfed the west London club have all played a role in Fofana’s sub-par performances, but his maiden Chelsea campaign reached a nadir at Old Trafford last night.
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.
Former Chelsea defender Lebouef has been critical of Fofana in the past and asked whether he has the ability to become a world class centre-half, he 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.’
A dejected Frank Lampard, meanwhile, who has presided over a wretched run of form since the departure of Graham Potter switched to a back five last night to try and nullify United’s attack.
Explaining that change, the interim manager said: ‘We were the better football team in the first half – in possession, chances we matched them at least,’ a frustrated Lampard told Sky Sports post-match.
‘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.’
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First appear at Frank Lebouef slams Wesley Fofana and warns ‘immature’ Chelsea star he is ‘damaging his career’
