Frank Lampard shares update on his future and sends warning to Chelsea players

The Chelsea legend returned to the Stamford Bridge dugout as an interim manager following the sacking of Graham Potter and was keen to get the job back on a permanent basis.

However, seven defeats in nine games and just one win ruined any chance of that happening, with former Tottenham and PSG boss Pochettino set to be appointed.

Nevertheless, it has been suggested that Lampard could stay in west London to help the rebuild the Blues after their worst Premier League season in history.

But when asked about this prospect in his post-match press conference following Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City, the 44-year-old flat out denied that it could happen.

‘No. A new manager will come in and bring his own coaches, I’m sure,’ he said.

Chelsea were once again flat and largely uninspired in the 1-0 loss at the Etihad, despite going up against a much-changed City side that had already won the league title, with the side lacking cohesion despite a wealth of individual talent.

And Lampard has warned the players that if they are to improve and challenge the likes of the Citizens next season that they themselves must step up.

‘It’s in their hands. I can’t say. I got asked how long will it take, we don’t know,’ he added when asked what the squad can achieve in the future.

‘It’s down to the players themselves that we have. For the club it will be down to the direction we take it forward, for the new coach. This Premier League is getting tougher.

‘We’ve felt that this year, we’ve felt there are things we need to improve for next year. To get to where Manchester City are, a lot of things have to align so there’s a lot of work to be done.

‘There’s clearly talent in the squad, a lot of young talent in the squad, maybe a lack of stability in the squad, maybe a bit of imbalance in the squad. Those things are maybe club issues and every player has to really get to work to see if they can get us back to where we want to be.’

Lampard and Chelsea have just two games left this season to salvage some pride, against high-flying Manchester United and Newcastle.

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