Sunday 14 August 2016 13:05, UK
Frank Lampard says he has consulted Andrea Pirlo about Antonio Conte and believes the new Chelsea manager can lead his former side to a serious Premier League title challenge this season.
Lampard is currently playing at New York City in MLS alongside Pirlo, who was managed by Conte at Juventus before he himself moved the US. The former Chelsea midfielder says he was impressed with Conte and his Italy side at Euro 2016 and foresees a potential clash between Chelsea and another former side Manchester City for the trophy.
"I do fancy it being between Chelsea and Manchester City this year," Lampard told BBC Radio 5Live. "Being at Chelsea for such a long time, I have an allegiance, so I would obviously like Chelsea to win the league and I think they'll be back challenging,
"I spoke to Pirlo about Conte and he had nothing but great things to say. He works the lads very hard in training with his fitness work and with organisation on the pitch.
"Seeing him at the Euros I loved his passion, I loved how he was on the touchline; how he had his team together with a real fighting spirit.
"That will all help Chelsea and I look forward to that. The players will need to buy into that and respect that. Then you'll see an improvement from last year."
