Frank Lampard says Chelsea players have their destiny in their own hands as the Mauricio Pochettino era dawns.
The Blues boss is entering his final week in interim charge of the club after replacing Graham Potter on a temporary basis in April but has struggled to yield much of an improvement out of the squad.
Sunday’s defeat at Manchester City condemned the west London giants to their lowest-ever Premier League points tally.
Even if Chelsea beat Manchester United and Newcastle this week, they will only be able to claim 49 points for the season, lower than the 50 amassed during the 1995-96 and 2015-16 campaigns.
Lampard was critical of sections of the squad even prior to the trip to the Etihad Stadium and suggested only some players were showing commitment to the cause.
Pochettino has verbally agreed terms on a deal to take over ahead of next season and Lampard has fired something of a parting shot to the players.
“They have to take personal responsibility and say: ‘I want to be [Erling] Haaland or [Kevin] De Bruyne, I have to put in the work they have’”, said the Blues legend.
“It is something they have to strive towards. It is in their hands. I can’t say that how long it will take.
“It is down to the players and the direction of the club. This Premier League is getting tougher.”
