Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez insists the spirit of his veterans remains strong.

Frank Lampard, 34, and Ashley Cole, 32, are heading for the exit door, with both players' deals up this summer.

But Benitez says he has no fears about the experienced England duo easing off and just going through the motions as their contracts tick down.

He said: "They are very good professionals, doing their best. I do not know what will happen, but they will focus on doing their jobs.

"I talk with them every day. I had a conversation with Frank Lampard last week and he was quite positive.

"He is a professional and has experience and knows he has to keep working hard and I will make decisions and we were fine.

"Ashley? He is fine, too. We joke every day."