Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta admit he had a "fantastic relationship" with former manager Thomas Tuchel.

Speaking with Efe, Azpilicueta went through the three managerial changes at Stamford Bridge this season.

The defender said, "I found out at the same time as everyone else. I have experienced coach change situations and they are never something positive. We had not started the season the way we had hoped. The club makes the decisions and at that moment they thought that the best thing was a change.

"With Thomas I had a fantastic relationship; He personally made me reach a level that I had never reached, as well as experience that Ie had never had, with three titles, in addition to the return to the national team that has been a source of pride."

On Graham Potter's axe, Azpi continued: "We do not participate in those decisions, it is the people in charge who decide what is best. It has been seen that we have not taken flight with Graham, it is a shame, because we have experienced many changes, with new signings, young footballers who need time.

"Also in those moments when you need a bit of luck, get a game forward that gives you confidence... We have not had that consistency."

On Frank Lampard's return, he added: "What is certain is that this season there is a lot of coaching movement in the Premier. Not only at Chelsea. It's been a league record. When the club decided to have Frank come back... We already know him and we have a common goal: to end the season in the best possible way. We have an opportunity in the Champions League, which we know is difficult to be there, but there is also the pride of defending this shirt and rebelling, showing that we are better than they think."