Chris Sutton admits that Frank Lampard has a tough task on his hands at Chlelsea.
The Blues suffered a 4-0 defeat against Manchester United on Sunday in Lampard's first competitive game in charge.
Lampard left Derby County to return to Stamford Bridge where he is a club legend but he has to deal with the club's transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sutton explained why he thinks Lampard has his work cut out with the Blues.
He said: "Frank Lampard has one hell of a job on there. When you look at it as a whole this season losing the best player. It's like going into the Olympic rowing final and being asked to compete in a dinghy.
"A guy who carried them for years has gone and they can't bring players in so it all comes down to what the owner's expectations is and what Frank has been told."
Sutton believes that this is the first time at Chelsea under owner Roman Abramovich they aren't expected to be in the title race.
He added: "This is a Chelsea team under the Abramovich era who every season you fancy to be competing at the top end of the Premier League.
"Now sometimes that hasn't happened but most of the time it has. This is the first season you look at Chelsea and I don't think anyone gives them a chance of winning the title.
"That's because of the squad he has to work with, losing their best player and the fact they can't bring players in."
