‘It’s his problem’ – Frank Lampard sends message to Mauricio Pochettino about Chelsea job

Frank Lampard has told incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino that Chelsea’s problems are now in the Argentine’s hands.

Pochettino will take charge of the Blues next season after a year away from club management.

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The 51-year-old had been widely tipped to make a return to Tottenham after leaving his post as Paris Saint-Germain head coach last summer.

But it was Chelsea that nipped in to secure a deal for Pochettino who will be tasked with improving the club’s fortunes after a largely forgettable season.

Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester United on Thursday left them slumped in 12th place and with no European football next season.

Ahead of a summer of change at the club, Lampard was asked whether the Chelsea job is now the most challenging it has been in the last 20 years?

But the Chelsea legend kept his cards close to his chest despite his own struggles since taking over as caretaker boss last month.

“I don’t know, it’s a good headline but I don’t know,” said Lampard who takes charge of his last game with the Blues in Sunday’s visit of Newcastle United.

“It remains to be seen, but I can’t jump into the future. I think it’s a fantastic job because it’s the Chelsea job.

“When I took it, the first time I came, I probably got the job because a lot of top manager’s didn’t want the job.

“I know that for a fact, it was a big part of it, but I enjoy the process and I enjoy coming in”

Lampard then signed off by offering what appeared to be a tongue-in-cheek wish to Pochettino saying: “I wish the new manager well. It’s his problem, I guess,” before jokingly telling reporters: “Is that the headline you wanted?”

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Chelsea can still finish as low as 14th in the Premier League should results go against them this weekend.

A win for Crystal Palace at home to Nottingham Forest and three points for West Ham at Leicester could see Chelsea drop two further places should Newcastle claim three points at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.