Frank Lampard has no regrets returning to Chelsea as caretaker manager last season.

However, Lampard admits he found it difficult working with their overloaded squad.

He told the Diary of a CEO podcast: “The biggest thing about the low standards was the size of the squad. The motivation was tough with players outside the Champions League squad.

“In football, it is a challenge even with 20 or so players. Chelsea's squad was so big that I couldn't criticise individual players for dropping standards.

“I think that's understood now [by the owners]. You see that in six, seven or eight players leaving. The intentions were certainly good.

“They haven't signed bad players. The idea of signing them all at the same time maybe looks a bit excitable but there is a long game and plan."