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Chelsea ended in third place last season as Maurizio Sarri struggled to finish in a Champions League spot, after being on sixth spot at some point, leading to the end of the campaign.

According to reports, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hasn’t placed any expectation on Frank Lampard, as he wants the new manager to work without pressure. With Lampard unable to make any signings this summer due to the club transfer ban, coupled with the departure of star man Eden Hazard, there’s little pressure on Lampard to succeed.

However, Lampard has revealed that he wants to at least achieve a Champions League place this season and aims to fight Manchester City and Liverpool, in a bid to cut the gap on the duo.

Lampard told reporters: “Of course this club aims to be playing Champions League football every year. We did that last year and I would love to be able to do that again for us. I’m not settling for fourth place, but we’re realistic. We will have to work every day to improve and improve and improve, and try and stay right up there.

“Manchester City and Liverpool showed the rest of us there is a gap, and that’s a gap everyone has to try and make up. We are striving to do that. I don’t want to get ahead of myself and say this position or that position will be a success.

“We can only admire some of the points tallies, but one of the beauties of football is every team starts the season the same, and then it’s up to you what you do. We have to try and rise to that challenge.”