15 May,2017 08:45 AM IST | London | Goal.com
Former Chelsea star Lampard reckons things will get tougher for Blues when they look to defend EPL title; warns other teams will return stronger
Frank Lampard
Former Chelsea star Frank Lampard has warned that the Premier League champions will face "a big test" to continue their dominance next season.
The Blues claimed a second title in three seasons on Friday after their 1-0 win away to West Brom ensured that they cannot be caught by second-place Tottenham in their final three matches. The triumph marks a stunning debut campaign in England for head coach Antonio Conte, who can still claim the domestic double should Chelsea beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final.
Chelsea's midfielders (left to right) Pedro, N'Golo Kante, manager Antonio Conte and defender David Luiz celebrate winning the English Premier League title after the match against West Brom at the Hawthornson on Friday. Pic/Getty Images
Lampard, who made 609 Premier League appearances foe the Blues, says fans should not forget their dismal title defence under Jose Mourinho last season and expects Chelsea's title rivals to put up a stronger fight in 2017-18. "It will be a big test next year," said the club's all-time goalscorer with 211 goals in all competitions. "It's the second season, and their formation won't be a surprise. The players will be in their second season and we saw that last season (2015-2016) they couldn't sustain it.
"And all the other teams behind, other than Tottenham, have been disappointing, and they will be back stronger." Captain John Terry has now won five Premier League titles and Lampard believes he will be a huge loss for the dressing room when he departs at the end of the season. "If he's going to leave, this is the year to do it," Lampard said.
"He hasn't played a huge part on the pitch, but the part he's played behind the scenes, I know for a fact, once he goes, everyone will appreciate him even more. "Someone has to take the mantle now. He's such a big miss for them. Gary Cahill, maybe he'll step up even more now, but John Terry is so important for this club," the three-time Chelsea Player of the Year added.
