Frank’s at home in seat of power But Blues boss did not expect top job so soon

all have to find our own way.” Unable to sign players because of the transfer ban that hangs over Chelsea, Lampard’s task this season is simple.

Use the squad he has inherited, plus his youngsters, to get in the top four – and try to bridge the daunting 26-point gap to champions Manchester City. Interestingly, Lampard feels that the year he spent at City after leaving Chelsea in 2014 was useful for him in giving him a comparison.

“There is a correlation about what Chelsea did in 2003 to what City have done,” said the former England international.

“Both changed the landscape. I saw two clubs that were hungry to be winners.

“City have done that, and particularly in the Pep Guardiola period, we have seen a performance level that rivals any era.

“At City I got what I felt at Chelsea – a club that had a new drive from the top. It allowed me to see another idea, the way they wanted to drive.

“There is a gap between them and us. The only way to change that is absolute hard work and focus on what we do. Actually the transfer ban gives us more clarity.We can’t bring in players.

“All the teams are going to do business. And that’s obviously going to strengthen them.

“But then when I see the quality that we have here, I have complete belief in these players. Can we win the league? It’s going to be a big ask. But we have to set out with that mindset.”