Ex-captain Lampard blames players for Chelsea's poor show

Former Chelsea captain Frank Lampard denied there is a conspiracy within the English football club squad - and insisted that it's the poor performances of the players that's responsible for their current demise.

English Premier League (EPL) defending champions Chelsea are lying at the 15th spot with nine losses and five wins. They sacked coach Jose Mourinho on December 17 and now have Dutchman Guus Hiddink as their coach until the season-end.

When asked about Chelsea's fortunes this season, Lampard was quick to refute claims of a conspiracy.

"I think if there's a conspiracy then you have the wrong type of people at the club. I know the Chelsea players and the club, and it's not a conspiracy. It's people not performing, people on the outside always look for a conspiracy, but the answer is always on the pitch," Lampard was quoted as saying by The Dailymail on Sunday.

The current New York City star was speaking at a football workshop in Dubai alongside his teammate Andrea Pirlo.

The 37-year-old has been in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to collect a trophy after being honoured with the 'Player Career Award' at the Globe Soccer Awards.

AC Milan and Juventus great Pirlo won the same award and the pair were both commemorated for the success achieved over their illustrious careers.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi scooped the Player of the Year 2015 award after helping his club win a memorable treble including the European Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.

The 28-year-old Argentina national team skipper was delighted to receive the trophy and made sure his team-mates earned some of the praise.

"It's very nice to receive these awards, but I always say that the team makes it possible. It's been an extraordinary year," Messi said.