Mateo Kovacic reveals what Frank Lampard has brought to Chelsea, says “I have a good connection with the coach and the team”

Mateo Kovacic says he is able to play with ‘more confidence’ since making his move to Chelsea permanent, and credited manager Frank Lampard for allowing him to play with ‘more freedom’.

The Croatian started alongside Jorginho and Ross Barkley in Chelsea’s 3-2 win away to Norwich City on Saturday, what was Lampard’s first Premier League win since his appointment.

Kovacic, an attacking midfielder by trade, played in a more defensive capacity under Maurizio Sarri last season, reports the Evening Standard.

But since completing his £40million move to Stamford Bridge, and working under Lampard, the 25-year-old has begun to push further forward.

He is still to score for the Blues, but a fine pass in the second half on Saturday created the all-important third goal at Carrow Road.

“Yeah, he [Lampard] gives me more freedom and I can come and take the ball and go forward,” he said.

“So I feel good, I have a good connection with the coach and the team but I am now a Chelsea player so I feel better – last year I was only on loan – this year I feel better and more confidence.

“I think we started [the season] playing very well, the results were not perfect but obviously we played good.

“We needed the three points more than the beautiful game and we did a good game, won and so everything was perfect.”

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