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AVB: I get on great with Lampard

[Reprint from SUN] ANDRE VILLAS-BOAS insists his relationship with Frank Lampard is 'fantastic' and that no money can buy the Chelsea legend. The England midfielder, 33, has been unhappy at being on the bench for several key matches this season. And he has complained that Blues manager Villas-Boas has never explained his selections to him. Yet AVB insisted: "We see each other every day and speak every day. He is a player not available at any price. "With the player he is and the history he represents, Frank wants to be involved all the time. But it's the same for everybody else. "I have 24 players to choose from and my selections depend on how we want to play a particular game. "Everyone is fighting to start and a player of Frank's level has a shorter distance to travel to be in the team than others. "We try different options all the time, yet Frank is the fifth most used player at Chelsea this season. So he's always involved. "Of those who have played more, one is the goalkeeper and another the captain, who plays even when he is injured because of our current central defensive situation." But the Blues boss also made it clear no one can expect to be in his side just because of popularity with the fans for past achievements. He pointed out: "Liverpool have been trying to win the Premier League for many years but they don't have Rush, Dalglish and Hansen playing for them." Villas-Boas also denied suggestions he no longer relies on veteran Lamps in the matches that really matter, pointing out: "He started against Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Valencia away with tremendous success. "His talent is not in doubt. He is always on a fantastic run. "He has been decisive in the last couple of games with the timing of his arrival in the box to solve problems in the team." With Daniel Sturridge back from injury, Ramires will return to midfield for tomorrow's home game against Sunderland and Lampard or Raul Meireles is likely to drop to the bench. AVB could even have Gary Cahill available if, as expected, his £7million transfer from Bolton is finally completed today. Chelsea have also confirmed QPR have made an offer for transfer-listed defender Alex, though no fee has yet been agreed. Josh McEachran will leave to join Swansea on loan next week. （一个慢牛）

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