Chelsea's Lampard: Scolari relationship breath of fresh air

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has described his relationship with manager Luiz Felipe Scolari as a "breath of fresh air".

"This season has started very well for me. It's probably some of the best football I have played in my career, so that's great and I hope to continue with that," Lampard told BBC Sport.

"I've got a great relationship [with the manager], he has brought a breath of fresh air to the dressing room and pitch. Last year Avram Grant did very well and people shouldn't overlook that, he was fantastic for me personally through difficult times but this year has been a breath of fresh air.

"The manager has given us a freedom and motivation to play. We've had a couple of results that are not so good but the levels of expectation are so high that if you are top of the league and need to win a Champions League qualifier to qualify you can still come under fire. We have to stay strong and the season so far has been very positive."