Frank Lampard criticises Tiemoue Bakayoko for 'sleeping' against Atletico Madrid

The midfielder was at fault for Atletico's only goal in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at the Bridge

Tiemoue Bakayoko in action against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (Getty)

Former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has criticised Tiemoue Bakayoko for ‘sleeping’ in games and believes the player needs to improve after his error cost Antonio Conte’s side in their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

The Frenchman was at fault in the build-up to Atletico’s only goal against Chelsea in the 1-1 draw on Tuesday night.

Bakayoko lost sight of Saul Niguez who subsequently found space in Chelsea’s penalty area before heading his side into the lead.

Speaking in the aftermath of the game, which saw Chelsea qualify for the last-16 as runners-up in Group C behind Roma, Lampard criticised the midfielder for his lapse in concentration.

“He sleeps,” he said. “His concentration goes and at this level if you sleep for a second and it's an easy goal for Atletico.

“I don't know with Bakayoko. I think it's well documented that he hasn't settled quickly at Chelsea and English football in the Premier League as well and he has to come to grips with that.

“A moment's sleeping today doesn't work so he needs to improve but he's [Antonio Conte] got options. [Danny] Drinkwater will play as well but hopefully Bakayoko will improve.”

Despite his criticism, Lampard believes Chelsea shouldn't fear whoever they draw in the round of 16, with PSG and Barcelona a high possibility.

He said: “Obviously PSG, we're all talking about them and Barcelona, we all know what they have to offer. Chelsea fans will realistically look at Besiktas but it's a draw so who knows and again who knows where all these different teams are.

“Even if Chelsea do draw one of the bigger teams then what a game and if you're going to win this competition you have to beat the big boys.”