Frank Lampard has demanded more respect for Todd Boehly as he was quizzed on whether James Corden's recommendation got him a second bite of the cherry at Chelsea.
The Blues legend has been hired as interim boss to see them through until the end of the season following Graham Potter's sacking. Boehly is on the lookout for another permanent boss and, whilst he does so, reports claim the English comedian, who is a close friend, recommended that he give Lampard the role until the campaign ends.
The 44-year-old was appointed four days after Potter's dismissal as Chelsea's crazy first season under the American's ownership continues. Huge sums have been spent for little reward, but Lampard cited Boehly's other successes and claimed he wouldn't go off one person's recommendation.
He said: "I saw the headline of James Corden and I am absolutely unaware of if it's true or not. It's obviously a great headline to put together casually from the outside. When I look at the success of Todd Boehly and the owners of Chelsea Football Club I think you have to respect that success and respect the idea that they'll make decisions based on more than a conversation with one person."
Lampard's first stint at Stamford Bridge last around 18 months before he was axed by Roman Abramovich. He's since taken charge at Everton, but left them earlier this season as they faced the drop. His return to Chelsea didn't go as planned having lost at the weekend at Wolves.
Now attention turns to Europe, one of the rare areas where the west Londoners have enjoyed some success this term. The Blues take on Real Madrid, the Champions League holders, led by former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who has distanced himself from returning to Stamford Bridge.
The Italian said: "I feel sad (looking at Chelsea's position in the table). I have a fantastic memory of this club, of the people that are still working there. I'm a supporter of Chelsea, because I spent two years there. Will I go back? No, I hope Lampard will be able to do a fantastic job with them.
"Lampard has been a great player who I coached for two years. He knows these kind of games well and how to prepare his team. He has been here for a week, but he will do well in the time he is at Chelsea."
Ahead of the clash at the Bernabeu comparisons have been made with Chelsea's 2012 European triumph, which was achieved with an interim boss whilst they struggled in their league campaign. Roberto Di Matteo was the man in charge on that occasion, but Lampard has said: "Robbie was here he was assistant, he had a big awareness of the squad and got the job earlier in the year than I did."
