Frank Lampard warns players and highlights need for handwork after 1-0 Manchester City defeat

Frank Lampard says it will take hard work from players to get Chelsea back to the top after watching his team lose 1-0 to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday evening.

Julian Alvarez playing a supporting role to the rested Erling Haaland provided the cutting edge that sealed three points on a day Manchester City celebrated their third successive Premier League title.

The goal was deserved as City dominated the opening before Chelsea improved to create their chances with former Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, particularly asking questions of the host’s backline.

Frank Lampard who has won just one of the eight games he’s been in charge of since taking over from Bruno Saltor is surely now just seeing out time before he departs the club for the second time as a manager.

Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be announced as manager next week and players await his arrival to discover what the future has in store.

Asked what the future held for the players after another defeat, Lampard said it was hard to tell even though it would take a lot of hard work to turn things around.

He told reporters: “I can’t predict. It’s down to the players, for the club it will be down to the direction taken forward and the new coach.

“To get to where Manchester City are, a lot of work needs to align. Every player has to work to see if we can get back to where we need to be.”

Chelsea will take on Manchester United in midweek before ending the campaign at home against Newcastle United this coming weekend.