Chelsea caretaker boss Frank Lampard insists the club's academy is as strong as ever.

Lampard, in his previous time in charge, based his team on academy graduates to great success.

"I think there is an appreciation of what the Academy gives, from fans who always relate to young players, and ownerships that like the fact you are developing players who are either huge assets for you or if they move on, are also assets that you can receive good fees for," he told the club's website.

"Harking back to the past, my job as a coach was to try to develop as many players as I could, it is a pleasure for me to see people like Mason Mount, Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and those who are still here. They always have a real affiliation to the club having been through the Academy.

"The decision for some younger players to move on has not been mine. Fikayo Tomori for instance, and Tammy Abraham, they were club decisions at the time and that is done.

"This club has one of the best academies in certainly the Premier League, and also the world, and that has been for a long time. Neil Bath should take great credit for that.

"In my time at the club I had a really good bunch of players who came through at a good time and imposed themselves on the squad. The first thing you need is the quality of player who can do that, they don't come along every day, but when they are there, there is no doubt they will still be appreciated at this club and they will get their opportunity when they deserve it. That is how it should run."