These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Redknapp urges Blues to be patient with Lampard

Speaking to Sky Sports, former England international midfielder Jamie Redknapp has said Chelsa must be patient and give his cousin, Frank Lampard, time to succeed as head coach.

The Blues face a challenging season ahead following the departure of Eden Hazard and a transfer ban and Redknapp feels that Lampard needs to be given an opportunity to settle in to his new job.

‘It's a great move, not just for Frank but for Chelsea too,’ said Redknapp of the appointment.

‘It's astute, you need someone who can stabilise the club somewhat when you've lost your best player and under a transfer embargo.

‘They've got one of their own, the fans adore him. He'll need time, there'll be a lot of changes; you can't bring any personnel in to replace a big-name star like Eden Hazard. He'll need to be given time, but he will - because he's Frank Lampard.

‘The expectation will be to finish in the top four, but they've got to be realistic. I think there'll be moments in the season where it'll be a struggle, because of the Hazard effect.

‘But if they were to finish in the top four, that would be an amazing season considering the embargo and everything else.’

Redknapp is confident that Lampard is the right man for the Blues at this time, despite only a year in management.

‘I know he enjoyed his time at Derby, he had a great rapport with the fans but you can't turn something like this down,’ he added.

‘Everyone will have their opinions, some people will say it's too early for Frank, other people will say it's the right time, but for someone like Frank - he knows the game, he's worked with some of the best managers in the world, and in terms of timing it is the right time.

‘The players will respect him, and patience will be the key.’

Zola hopes Lampard is a ‘total success’

Although he will not remain on the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge after Frank Lampard’s appointment as Chelsea’s new head coach, Gianfranco Zola has told the Sun he wishes his former team-mate well as he faces up to the challenge of managing the Blues.

‘I am very happy for Frank. It is a great opportunity for him and I really hope he does well,’ said the Italian, who was an assistant coach under Maurizio Sarri last season.

‘I hope he is going to be a total success. It will not be a walk in the park. It is a big challenge but big challenges make big coaches.’

Zola feels his coaching stint at the Bridge benefitted him greatly, but now wants to focus on returning to management.

‘It was important that it helped my career. Working for a top club with a top coach has been good for me,’ he explained.

‘I was head coach before and my main ambition is to return to that. But to work for Maurizio and Chelsea was a great opportunity.

‘What matters is it was a great year and I have been part of a winning team.

‘I want to take the opportunity to say thank you very much to the players, all the coaching staff and all the supporters and the club for the wonderful year we have had.

‘Chelsea is in my heart and I was so proud to achieve so much for the club.’

Makelele opens up on Real exit

Speaking to Malaysian broadcasters Stadium Astro, Claude Makelele has revealed the broken promise of a new contract which prompted him to leave Real Madrid for Chelsea in 2003.

In the interview, which was reported by the Daily Star, the former France midfielder revealed how club president Florentino Perez had reneged on a promise to offer him a new contract after the club had signed David Beckham from Manchester United.

‘When we came back [from the summer break], I got my manager to see the President for my new contract but he said there was no money left after signing Beckham,” explained the Frenchman.

When Makelele attempted to discuss the matter further, he was given a stern rebuke by sporting director Jorge Valdano.

‘He came to talk to me a little too aggressively,’ Makelele recalled.

‘He asked me, “What are you thinking? You should be playing at Real Madrid for free”.

‘He said, “If you want to move, find us a team that will pay 15 million Euros for you”.

‘Five teams made big offers – I didn’t want any problems. But Real denied any offers, so I went to the manager.

‘I said: “I’ve got a problem now. I don’t want to play here anymore – the club doesn’t respect me”.

‘I wanted my team-mates to know the story because I was going to fight the club.’