Than expecting to add signings

“We have to make sure we can do it, financially.

“That is important for the club, so we’ll see what happens in terms of the balance of the whole squad. There may be players who move on.

“People think we have a big squad - we do in certain areas but we don’t in others, so the balance has to be addressed, whatever way round that is.

“I would love to have more players, particularly in that area (centre-back), because we want to maintain a push and I know a lot of clubs are linked with or signing or loaning players.

“In an ideal world, we will add to the squad. At the same time, if it’s not possible, we will continue where we’re at.

“I think we can be stronger, yes, but at the same time, if it’s not possible, I have a job to do as a manager to maximise what we have here.”

Lampard says he “can’t cry about” the financial constraints he faces in the transfer window.

“I never thought it would be easy, on any levels, not just funds,” he said.

“There are lots of things and I certainly don’t want to cry about them all. Every manager will tell you 100 challenges they face a day, certainly over a season.

“Yes, it is a challenge, I am very ready for it.

“I just want to make sure the expectations are where they should be because it is tough and we are very pleased with where we are now. I think we have done pretty well but only by upping that performance will we stay in the game this season.”