Chelsea legend Frank Lampard says the Blues will be serious title contenders under new manager Antonio Conte this season.

The 38-year-old, who is the club’s record goal scorer is still an avid watcher of the Premier League despite currently playing his trade in America with New York City, reports the Chelsea website.

The New York City midfielder believes the Italian manager will help Chelsea challenge for the Premier League title.

Lampard also said that the players need to respect Conte’s footballing philosophies if they to improve and succeed as a team this season.

‘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,’ Lampard said.

‘I do fancy it being between Chelsea and Manchester City this year. I spoke to Andrea Pirlo about him (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. The players will need to buy into that and respect that then you’ll see an improvement from last year.’

Lampard revealed that Conte’s passionate touchline coaching caught his eye and he believes it will give the Blues a ‘real fighting spirit’ for the season ahead.

‘Seeing him at the Euros I loved his passion, I loved how he was on the line, how he had his team together with a real fighting spirit,’ said the midfielder.

‘That will all help Chelsea and I look forward to that.’

During his 13 year stint at Chelsea, the Blues legend went on to score a club record 211 goals from 648 appearances in all competitions.

He has also won 13 trophies with the London side, including three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two Community Shields, two Capital One Cups, a Champions League title and a Europa League title.

Image: Chelsea website