Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea's youngsters that they should not just assume they will get playing time this season now that he is the head coach.
The return of the Blues legend has been met with a huge amount of delight by Blues fans, with the former Chelsea midfielder being a real change of tact by the board.
Along with Jody Morris being his number two and U23s coach Joe Edwards being promoted to the senior squad, Chelsea supporters believe more youngsters are going to get their first in the first team.
However, Lampard has warned those youngsters in the squad, including the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, that playing time must be earned and will not just be given.
"The reality is we should be competing no matter what and my job is to try and find a balance between the players that think they are in the first-team squad and the players breaking through," Lampard said.
"There is no use me sitting here and saying I'm going to play all the young players, they have to show individually they can do it so the balance from me will be to remain competitive and bring them through.
"Every manager has their own idea whether they think they don't want to know about young players too much and this is my first-team squad, my eyes will always be open to the young players but they have to show they are good enough because we can't lower our levels too much, this is Chelsea so I am not going to be doing young boys favours and put them in the team.
"They need to prove themselves to get in the team and if they can do that I will be proud because it will be what I see as a big part of my job this year."
Another reason for the Blues having to look towards their academy and loan players is due to the transfer ban still ongoing.
The Blues are not allowed to register any new players, meaning that to fill out the squad the Blues will have to look towards those young players on the verge of making it.
But Lampard believes the transfer ban shouldn't just be the only motivation that they have to try to make it into the first team.
"Maybe some will, the motivation should be there," Lampard added.
"Personally I think the motivation should be there, but I understand that if a door can seem locked for a long time then it can affect young players.
"I have spoken about it and I will make it very clear going in that the door is open if you prove that you are good enough, but I do think the motivation should be there.
