Chelsea boss Frank Lampard took aim at the media in Friday's pre-match presser.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Luton, Lampard was asked how vital Petr Cech's presence is around a squad who look short of confidence.

Before insisting Cech is "vital", the coach took exception to the question and some of the press coverage in recent weeks.

"To be fair, I think their confidence would be shot if they were to read some of the pieces you write at the minute," he told the reporter.

"I read some of them and some of the confirmation bias you always reflect on games with, it's almost like a social media pundit to try and get a reaction in a negative way.

"I read the pieces when we were doing well as well and they didn't go both ways.

"So for a journalist to be objective would be a big start. Because if the players do read it, I'd feel like that."

Chelsea fans have stuck by their manager despite the pressure on his job, with a banner reading 'In Frank we trust. Then. Now. Forever,' now placed at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard said: "In terms of the banner, I really appreciate it - whether it helps or not - what the fans are doing, to put it together to create the banner, I think everyone who knows me, watched me as a player knows how I feel about this club so I appreciate it very much."