Chelsea news: Frank Lampard challenges Blues to win Premier League title in his first season as manager

Frank Lampard believes there is enough quality in his Chelsea squad to win the Premier League in his first season as manager.

The Blues are currently under a transfer ban and are therefore unable to make any signings compared to their rivals who have strengthened in order to challenge for the crown.

Last season, Chelsea finished third, but they were a massive 26 points behind eventual winners Manchester City, despite beginning the campaign well.

“The only way I know to change that gap is through absolute hard work and focus,” said Lampard.

“Those basics don’t change, and with the transfer ban there is even more clarity because we can’t bring in players.

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“Every day I read City are buying and Manchester United are going to buy. All these teams are going to do business and that’s going to strengthen them.”

Lampard, who is only beginning his second season as a manager after one year in charge of Derby, has been impressed with what he has seen in his first weeks since taking over at his former club and insists aiming for the top is the best mentality to have.

“We have to be realistic, but then I see every day the quality we have here,” added the Blues legend.

“And I think about the players not here like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Willian, Antonio Rudiger and Reece James, and I think we have a competitive squad.

“I believe in them and there’s more because we have a lot of younger players.

“There can be an uplift. That’s not me saying I’m going to make the difference.

“It will be the players who make the difference.

“So there’s the challenge. Now, can we win the league? It’s going to be a big ask. But we have to set out with that mind-set.”

On Friday, Chelsea suffered their first defeat under Lampard, losing 1-0 to Japanese side Kawasaki Frontale.

They face Barcelona at the Saitama Stadium in Japan on Tuesday in their next friendly fixture.