Frank Lampard sees Chelsea positives after Real Madrid defeat, ‘won’t let anyone off the hook’ in run-in

Todd Boehly’s side continue to struggle despite being on their third manager of the season, and two goals from Rodrygo were enough to secure a relatively easy passage through to the semi-finals for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

For Lampard it represents a blow given it was the last hope of silverware for the Blues in the 2022/23 season.

Lampard is expected to be replaced in the summer, despite the former England midfielder refusing to rule out the chance he might stay on a long-term deal if things go his way.

Speaking after the match, Lampard claimed the failure in front of goal was, “not for the want of trying.”

Asked if there were positives in yet another defeat, he claimed: “Yeah, for sure. We played really well for 60 minutes. We created chances but you have to take them.

“You don’t want to praise the performance too much when you lose at this level but we were much improved. This club has been further in this competition and the players can take this feeling forward with them for the future.”

Lampard was asked what he would do for the rest of the season now that the most his team have to play for is potentially qualifying for next year’s Europa League tournament.

“You’re playing for Chelsea,” he said. “So regardless, every game you play you have to give everything.

“I’m hungry, I won’t let anyone off the hook in terms of seeing this season out. It has to be the opposite. That standard [against Madrid] cannot drop.”