Frank Lampard has warned Chelsea’s next head coach Mauricio Pochettino that he faces a massive challenge to get the squad into shape next season after again questioning the standards and fitness of several players.
The club’s record goalscorer said farewell at the end of his interim spell in charge with a 1-1 draw against Newcastle.
And while he was met with a warm ovation by the Stamford Bridge crowd, Lampard was frank around what he considers to be inexcusable shortcomings in the dressing room.
Asked if he would leave a note for the next head coach, Lampard said: “There are things that need to improve. That note should not be a public one. There are clear things that need to improve. He’ll have a pre-season to work with the team.
“We’re not physically competitive enough. Newcastle are and we haven’t been. We have the capability now for the new manager to get the squad in the place he wants it to be. That’s going to be a challenge as well.”
Former Spurs boss Pochettino is set to be unveiled as the next permanent head coach in the next couple of days and is reported to have already signed his contract while on a short break in Spain.
Lampard said: “It’s about getting the right high level of manager. Pochettino’s history shows he has worked with clubs at the level. It won’t be an overnight thing but we have to be careful with expectations. There’s a lot of work to be done. The basics I keep talking about, the standards collectively have dropped.
“I can be honest because I might not see much of them anymore. The standards have to be at the maximum. If you’re not vocal or competitive in the dressing room, every top team has to have that. I could see that wasn’t there enough. Of course a very good manager, whoever that will be, can help that. Everyone has to take responsibility.”
Adding that “the seeds of the situation were sewn before I came”, Lampard did pay tribute to the supporters who chanted his name throughout.
And he said that his determination to succeed in management has not been diminished by an 11-game run in which the team won just once.
“I’m connected to this club for life. That will not change in my head no matter what. I appreciate how they were throughout and after the game. I’m a Chelsea man at heart.
“I’ll have a break now, which I’m looking forward to. It’s not affected my drive to do this job. I enjoy it. I understand it can look fruitless from outside if not getting results but I enjoy doing it. I’ll have a break first and then see.”
