Lampard: I'm hurt, Claudio

Frank Lampard today admitted he felt "hurt and disappointed" after being left out of Chelsea's team for their Champions League clash against Sparta Prague last night.

But the England international will not be seeking a confrontation with Claudio Ranieri over his omission.

The issue of how to keep his players happy looks like dominating the Chelsea manager's season. Ranieri has already conceded that it will be impossible to have harmony all the time following Chelsea's £110million summer spending spree that has given them one of the most powerful squads in Europe.

The Sparta game was the first time Lampard had been left out this season and he said: "It hurt because I want to play in the Champions League, it's a big thing for me and everyone else. You have to respect the manager because it's very tough with the squad we've got and you understand you're not going to play every game.

"I was disappointed to be on the bench but it's a unique situation at Chelsea, with the squad we have here. I respect the manager, it's very hard for him.

"He picks the team and I wouldn't go banging his door down if I'm not playing."

Lampard came on for the second half of last night's match in Prague, replacing Emmanuel Petit, with Damien Duff coming in for Romanian striker Adrian Mutu, who injured an ankle. It was not an altogether convincing display from Chelsea but the half-time changes improved things and an 85thminute William Gallas goal was enough to give them a winning start to their Champions League campaign.